I found some interesting seed pods by Coal Mine Brook. Last night, I investigated them further and now I am obsessed!
The Kentucky Coffeetree is considered an “ecological anachronism” that evolved to form a relationship with now extinct North American megafauna like the mastodon! It is believed that large creatures were able to open the rough pods and eat the super hard bean inside. Seed dispersal was largely dependent on interaction with these animals. Now, the trees are rare in the wild. Without the megafauna, these trees are often relegated to wetlands where at least the seeds have a small chance of germination.
Just recently, I was thrilled to see local mastodon bones on display at the Ecotarium. For my whole life, I had heard about a farmer who discovered the remnants of mastodon by nearby Ward Hill. Now, of course, I am imagining a tie between the Northboro mastodon and the Kentucky Coffeetree at Coal Mine Brook!
However, the Kentucky Coffee tree also has a history with human populations. Native cultures have roasted the seeds to create a drink that is reminiscent of coffee. Coal Mine Brook borders a former Nipmuc settlement by Lake Quinsigamond. I could not find any information on the use or cultivation of Kentucky Coffeetree by the Nipmuc. But, that would also be an interesting origin story for this tree.
*Note – the seeds are highly toxic to humans unless they have been processed properly.
The Kentucky Coffeetree is also prized as a specimen tree. Our own Hadwen Arboretum features a mature tree on its grounds. It is possible that the Coal Mine Brook Kentucky Coffeetree was planted more recently.
The existence of this tree at Coal Mine Brook has certainly sparked my imagination. Mastodons, native American cultivation, Victorian fancy? A magical tree with a mysterious origin!
Hellstrip Heaven 