Knobbly Rowan

This tree is one of a pair of strange knobbly rowans (Sorbus aucuparia) that grow in Ravelston Wood. Rowan is a native tree that is most often found growing wild on higher ground in poor acidic soils. It has been widely planted as a garden tree for its ornamental flowers and berries, and because of its small size. The Ravelston trees appear to be of great age. The strange lumps, called burrs, along the branches are caused by the formation of dense clusters of buds that fail to develop into shoots. Burrs are not a normal characteristic of rowan. The clusters of bright orange berries were used for making a tart rowan jelly. Another reason why rowans might be common garden trees is that they were believed to keep evil spirits at bay.

Max Coleman

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