Mystery red berry with white "casing"

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by rwconner, Nov 21, 2009.

  1. rwconner

    rwconner Member

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    These grow on a large bush--7 feet in diameter. The small (1-2 cm) berries appear white at first, but then the white sepals (?) open, rather like popcorn, to reveal a smaller red berry inside. You can view a picture of them with a leaf at:
    http://gallery.me.com/rwconner#100134
    The white sepals have dried and folded back along the stem, but you can see how they (3 per berry) would have encased the red berry.

    I have found only two bushes of this type and at different times in the Morton Arboretum near Chicago.

    Any ideas?
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Celastrus.
     
  3. rwconner

    rwconner Member

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    Thanks!
     
  4. SusanDunlap

    SusanDunlap Active Member

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  5. rwconner

    rwconner Member

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    Presumably, thanks. My specimen was quite small. Possibly the Arboretum is trying to prevent its spreading.
     

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