A classified tree

The Lime tree and Chestnut of Ferage: A botanical curiosity in the Belgian Ardennes

The gîte La Source de Manon overlooks a monumental tree in its central square, a common lime tree (Tilia × europaea). Planted around 1500, this tree is not only a symbol of local history but also a rare botanical curiosity. A horse chestnut tree has grown inside its trunk, creating an exceptional and unusual dual vegetation.

The lime tree of Ferage is one of the oldest trees in the region, with over 500 years of history. Measured in 1911 by Jean Châlon with a circumference of 8.72 meters, its size has slightly decreased over the years, reaching 7.18 meters in 2017. These measurements reflect its advanced age and the impact of weather and time on its structure. It has been officially recognized as a "remarkable tree" by the Walloon region and classified as a protected natural monument.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this centuries-old lime tree is the growth of a horse chestnut tree inside its trunk. This phenomenon is extremely rare and illustrates an uncommon symbiotic relationship between two trees. The horse chestnut, with its characteristic leaves and white spring blossoms, emerges from the hollow trunk of the lime tree. This unusual cohabitation has drawn the attention of botanists and visitors intrigued by this natural curiosity.

Why is this phenomenon rare?

The growth of another tree within the trunk of a lime tree is typically caused by seeds deposited in crevices of the wood, often transported by wind or birds. In the case of the Ferage lime tree, the horse chestnut found a suitable environment within the hollow trunk, where moisture and nutrients were sufficient to support its growth. This creates a rare scene where two trees coexist symbiotically.

An attraction for visitors and botanists

The duo formed by the lime tree and the horse chestnut is a curiosity that attracts numerous visitors. Nature and botany enthusiasts come to observe this rarity, captivated by the coexistence of these two species. Photographers are equally enchanted by the unusual sight of the horse chestnut emerging from the centuries-old lime tree, offering a unique composition.

Manon, the owner of La Source de Manon, encourages her guests to visit this classified tree and marvel at this rare natural symbiosis. 

"It is a true botanical curiosity that shows just how surprising nature can be."