Whistling Nut

The Whistling Nut is a nut that is found in more Northern areas where the Whistling Tree can be found. The Nut and Tree are called that due to whistling sound that can be heard when the nuts fall. It is a high-pitched whistle and it is said that during the peak season of seed distribution, dogs have a higher tendency to bark and yip.

The Whistling Tree is a very large tree, similar to that of a redwood. The leaves can range in color from deep greens to an almost brown color.

The Nut has a cap similar to an acorn, used as a protective layer while the nut is in development. The fleshy part of the nut underneath the cap is the area where small holes that go through the entire nut are. These holes allow for a quicker germination period and assist in the absorption of water.

While edible, the nuts don't provide much sustenance for humans, they are a large part of the Wooly Mouse's diet, a creature that makes it's nest within the exposed top roots of the Whistling Tree. Eating too many of the nuts are actually harmful to the individual and if theoretically you ate enough (nearly 2 pounds), they will cause psychosis and death.

Children are known to look for the nuts and toss them in the air as high as possible just to hear the whistling sound. Boys especially are known to throw the nuts at each other in a 'dodgeball' type of game. It is said the holes in the nuts cause the impact to hurt more and most children who play said game go home with many bruises.

History & Usage

Hazards

While eating the nut raw is safe, any type of boiling of the nut creates a poison known as Loristin. Ingesting small amounts will cause symptoms such as inducing hallucinations both visually and auditory. Tea made from one boiled nut has been known to be used for it's drug-like properties, but drinking more than a few sips of a tea boiled from two or more nuts will cause full blown psychosis and potentially death.

The chemical that causes the poison is only within the nut when it reaches a certain temperature, such as boiling. This chemical reaction is also why Whistling Trees are only found in the north. The further south, the more sour the taste of the nut and thus, less animals ingesting and spreading the seeds.

Type

Organic

Odor

Not much of a smell, perhaps a slight earthy scent

Taste

Slightly sweet when eaten raw though they are very crunchy. When boiled into a tea, it has a very sour and bitter taste to it.

Color

Brown, a touch lighter than the tree bark

Boiling / Condensation Point

180 Degrees Fahrenheit for creating the tea