Maclura pomifera- The Osage Orange Tree

Researched and written by: Courtney Porter 

This amazing tree produces a misunderstood and often overlooked fruit. Related to some amazing cousins in the family Moraceae like the mulberry, fig and jackfruit trees, not many people hold an appreciation for the “hedge or horse apple”, mostly because no one seems to have a clue what to do with it! 

The trees are native to the southern states of Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma in the Americas where they were first found and cultivated. Ancient, the seeds of the tree  are suspected to have been spread by mastodon, mammoth, giant sloth and other Ice Age animals that were large enough to ingest the softball sized fruit.  

The tree became popular in the Midwest as a natural, decay resistant border fence because thorns served to prevent invitation just as modern barbed wire does. The tree that served well the “Manifest destiny” of European settlers, settlements would be outlined with the tree serving the illusion of boundaries.

The wood was used as support timbers in mining operations and as early wheel rims for wagons because it was so durable and didn’t swell and shrink like other woods when wet. The Osage Native Americans would make bows of the strong wood that was soft enough to bend. Ancient wisdom validated by even today’s archers who consider it some of the finest wood for the craft. 

This rot and pest resistant qualities displayed by the wood has fascinated many when we have imagined the human potential.

The fall season, citrus smelling fruit has several chemicals that are currently being studied by science. These include high levels of the isoflavones pomiferin (POM) and osajin (OSA) along with tetrahydroxystilbene and proteolytic enzymes. 

Pomiferin is typically found in the citrus aurantium family along with other fruit like the bitter (Seville) orange, kumquats, pummelo, bergamot and citron. This chemical has be studied and shown to have anti cancer, anti diabetic, antibacterial, anti inflammatory and neuro protective properties. It supports the body in fighting free radicals (antioxidant) and helps restore kidney function. 

Osajin is also found in the tree species Derris robusta in the Fabaceae family. All these trees seem to have a heightened quality of repelling insects. Osajin has been studied most on its impact on neural progenitor cells or NPC. It has been noted for its anti-tumor activity and its ability to cause cell death in cancerous cells. A natural insecticide, it has shown to be useful in treating parasites and other unwelcome microorganisms. 

Tetrahydroxystilbene is a powerful free radical scavenger or antioxidant. It seems to protect neural cells leading to therapeutic benefit with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other cerebral disease. The chemical has been shown to be antiaherosclerotic (unclogging arteries) and anti-inflammatory. 

In synergy these elements are shown to help prevent degenerative disease, increase the heart's function and boost the immune system. 

Not to bad for an overlooked, useless fruit huh? Next time you pass these monkey balls scattered along the curb, stop and marvel at this ancient wonder and grab a fruit or two so you can get to better know and understand this amazing plant. 

Courtney Porter, a Gary IN. native, now resides in Indianapolis IN. and operates the Urban Naturalist’s Association to showcase and share her loves of nature and food on the journey to self sufficiency. You may connect with her via social media and by email at urbannaturalistindy@gmail.com 

References

www.biocrick.com/Pomiferin-BCN8673.html 

www.Sciencedirect.com/topics/agriculture-and-biological-sciences/citrus-aurantium….

Http://Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Osajin