Linden Tree
Tilia cordata Miller
There are some species of the linden genus such as tilia x vulgaris, tilia cordata, tilia plathyphylos, tilia x europaea (hybrid between T. cordata and T. platyphylos). The linden tree is native to Europe, where there are over 30 species; it grows almost everywhere in Europe, except in northern and western Siberia and the Caucasus regions. In Portugal, T. x vulgaris and T. tomentosa, commonly known as linden tomentosa, are both grown.
It is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 30 m in height. The canopy of an adult linden tree can reach a perimeter of 50 m and its trunk can be up to 1.30 m in diameter. The leaves are small (3-10 cm), with a toothed margin, without root hair, except in the axils of the veins of the bottom page, where they appear in small reddish tufts; the fruit is rounded, about 8 mm long. These trees have grey, soft, finely cracked bark. The slender branches have buds with two scales; the flowers are yellowish, heart-shaped, and have a gentle and pleasant scent.
The flowers are highly appreciated by bees and the entire inflorescences are used for medicinal purposes. A hot lime brew is an excellent sudorific (which stimulates perspiration), very recommended in feverish conditions, colds, and catarrh, particularly in children due to its slightly calming action. It is a good nervous system soother and is often given to hyperactive children. It is sedative, anxiolytic and antispasmodic. A decoction made from the bark (after extracting the outer part) can be used to treat liver and gall bladder problems and also to eliminate cellulite.
The use of linden tea (infusion) has been approved by the European Commission to help treat colds, coughs and bronchitis.
The tender leaves can be used in cooking like vegetables either cooked or raw. Its small round fruits can be pickled.
The wood is used in the manufacture of piano keys.
There are folklore beliefs in the Nordic countries about this species; some say that it is under its crown that fairies come out on warm summer nights (the same is said about the elderberry; apparently, these trees are the two great favourites of these ethereal creatures of the imaginary world). The Irish say that anyone who falls asleep under a linden tree will be carried off to fairyland.
Video
Video Botanical Trail
Município de Castanheira de Pera
Linden Tree
