Chequers

Most of today has been spent in Gamlingay Wood, an ancient woodland with a very rich flora and fauna. I was mostly photographing insects, including the Nationally Scarce beetle Osphya bipunctata (see extra) which is very characteristic of the clay woodlands in Cambridgeshire.

However, in honour of Flower Friday, I've decided to post an image of the attractive creamy flowers of the Wild Service tree, also known as Chequers. This tree is generally only found in ancient woodland, and is never common, usually scattered in ones and twos. There are two fine specimens in Gamlingay Wood, one of which was in full flower, scenting the area with its rather peculiar musky fragrance. 


The fruits, also known as chequers, are said to taste like dates once they've been bletted, and historically were given to children as sweets. They can be made into an alcoholic drink and it is thought they influenced the naming of 'chequers inns', although it is unclear which came first - the name of the fruit or the inns.