Aesculus hippocastanum or the Horse-Chestnut is a majestic, large domed, deciduous tree that is popular in the parklands of Europe and is also fairly common in the cooler areas of Australia, like Tasmania.
The leaves are large and palmately compound, while the creamy white flowers have a pink spot and are produced on erect panicles up to 20cm in height.
Flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by bees.
They make excellent summer shade trees and are a handsome addition to larger spaces where you can appreciate their outline and attractive foliage which turns russet brown in early autumn, making a wonderful autumnal sight.
These trees are best known (at least by children in Europe) for their spiky green fruit that contain shiny dark brown nuts or 'conkers'.
Conkers particularly when fresh and young contains toxins and should not be eaten.