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Spindle

 

Spindle, European spindle

Harilik kikkapuu

Euonymus europaeus

 

The spindle, insignificant in spring and summer, has its moments of autumn glory.  The upright, hardy bush is native in southern Estonia. Gardeners have successfully planted it as an ornamental little tree in gardens. The leaves are invertly eggshaped (ovate), with a pointed tip, and a downy underside. The fruits of the spindle are capsules. By now they have split open in some areas, showing pale brown seeds, with a shiny, reddish fruit flesh.