Checking out the Tilia stem under the microscope, it reminds me of the woody dicot stem we had checked out some time ago. The beautiful Mandela like colours and patterns just looks magnificent under the microscope. Although with this particular microscopic view, doesn’t the middle section look like a brain? Or even a maze?

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So what is Tilia?

Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees, or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. In the British Isles they are commonly called lime trees, or lime bushes, although they are not closely related to the tree that produces the lime fruit. Source

How funny is that, trees being called lime trees but do not produce lime and are even not closely related. Actually, it is not funny, just confusing.

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One common thing with all Tilia species are their heart shaped leaves which are really pretty. They are a little large looking too which is a given considering they are medium sized trees. The Tilia tree does not only just provide shade; it has fragrant flowers which are used to make tea. Due to such fragrant flowers, they are important to beekeepers to help make beautiful tasting honey.

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The linden is recommended as an ornamental tree when a mass of foliage or a deep shade is desired. The tree produces fragrant and nectar-producing flowers, the medicinal herb lime blossom. They are very important honey plants for beekeepers, producing a very pale but richly flavoured monofloral honey. The flowers are also used for herbal teas and tinctures; this kind of use is particularly popular in Europe and also used in North American herbal medicine practices. Source

Considering how fragrant Tilia flowers can get, I now know not to take shelter under one if I don’t want to end up sneezing and puffy eyes.

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_{Unless cited, all other images & gifs belong to @supersoju
References:
Tilia
Tilia cordata}