Today's interesting fact has to do with the Small-leaved Lime.

Tilia cordata is a tree that grows through much of Europe and Southern Britian and it has been planted in many areas as an ornimental.

Car drivers are well aware of the honey dew that sometimes drips on their cars if carelessly parked in the wrong places, e.g. under the trees in late spring.

This honey dew comes from aphids that can attack the trees when the leaves are young.

The young leaves are edible and were traditionaly used in Britian in spring salads and as a replacement to lettuce in salads.

Lime tree honey is considered a delicacy by some and the flowers can be made into a tea which is supposed to have medicinal properties.

It is thought to be an anti-inflammatory and has been traditionally used in respiratory issues: such as colds, fevers, flues, sore throat, bronchitis, and cough.