I photographed my tree on Friday, still not much change - but around the base is now a rich golden carpet of blooms. The oil seed rape has come into flower. Rapeseed is the third largest source of vegetable oil, and the second largest source of protein meal in the world! The name rape comes from the Latin word rapum meaning turnip. The rapeseed cultivars bred specifically for oil are known as 'canola' and much of their development has been done in Canada.
The downside for many people is that the pollen causes hayfever. But I think the flowers are lovely to look at, and I often use canola oil in my cooking.
I hope my tree has lots of green leaves soon
The rapeseed flowers do look pretty but I suffer so much with hayfever when they are in bloom. I am also allergic to the oil it makes me itch and come up in a rash so Olive oil for me. I am a very allergic person! The trees are just beginning to leaf up here in East Sussex which is late for here, it still feels fresh with the north easterly winds. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteHayfever and allergies are a problem for so many people. I feel especially for those afflicted during their exam season
DeleteWish we didn't have to have a winter season! It's so heartening to see everything coming alive and when I see the agricultural activity in the fields near me, I have optimism for the (near) future.
ReplyDeleteBut do we not appreciate spring even more simply because it marks the end of winter?
DeleteThe fields behind our house were all oil seed rape, but now they are all very posh houses... it's a mixed blessing! No mega hay fever, but...
ReplyDeleteMy oak is just beginning to think about letting leaves come out...
I saw lots of golden fields on Monday when I was driving across the county
DeleteThat is a lovely "carpet" surrounding your tree. I use Canola oil, too, as well as olive oil.
ReplyDeleteBoth have their uses! I love a fruity olive oil in a salad 🥗 dressing
DeleteI feel sorry for people who suffer from the pollen of the Oil seed rape as it looks so good when in flower and there is so much around.
ReplyDeleteIt's miserable for them isn't it
DeleteIn Canada the plant and the oil are called Canola. They are lovely when in bloom but not sowed yet in Canada due to our temps.
ReplyDeleteI understand that we have to thank the Canadians for much of the research and development of this crop
DeleteYour tree looks beautiful surrounded by all those lovely flowers.
ReplyDelete🌼🌼🌼🌼🌳🌼🌼🌼🌼
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful carpet of yellow around the tree.
ReplyDelete🌻🌻🌻
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