Locust (Robinia), fam. Fabaceae.
   There are several species in the city and in the forest, but the first one predominates 99% – Black Locust, False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia).
   This plant is very sturdy, and brings abundant root-growth if cut, with very thorny shoots, looking like a "revenge" to people who damaged the tree. However, the trees that grow normally have only small spikes (located in pairs near each leaves), and mature trees often lack spikes completely. The flowers of black locust are edible, sweet and fragrant; all other parts of the plant are moderately toxic. There are recipes for using the flower tincture against kidney, uterus and stomach diseases.
   The fruits hang on the tree all the autumn, winter and spring, rustling in the wind. The seeds in them are not so easy to sprout – it is best to… scald them with boiling water first. Besides, the plant is highly dependent on availability of some special bacteria in the soil that will assimilate nitrogen from atmosphere. If these conditions are met, you could grow a beautiful, honey-bearing, drought-resistant tree, which has been unjustly forgotten in recent years.

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