This vigorous species is displaying a mass of fruits in the long grass beside the Fairway.
A Mediterranean native Castanea sativa is a fast-growing, large tree which produces edible nuts (sweet chestnuts) encased in spine-clad shells in warm climates. It has long been grown in the British Isles, and is thought to have been introduced by the Romans. The genus contains twelve species from Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa, and all have alternate, glossy, toothed leaves, and scented, cream flowers. Reaching 30m in height, C. sativa makes an impressive specimen tree, particularly when in full bloom, when the flowers, and later, fruits contrast against the glossy, acutely serrated foliage.