Are the leaves on an apple tree and the sap edible? What about other plants?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the edibility of various parts of plants, specifically focusing on apple trees and comparing them to other species like orange, plum, and maple trees. Participants explore the implications of one part being edible on the edibility of other parts, including leaves, seeds, and sap, while considering the potential toxicity of certain plant parts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the edibility of apple leaves and other tree leaves, noting that while apple seeds are mildly poisonous, the leaves' effects are uncertain.
  • Another participant argues against the assumption that if one part of a plant is edible, other parts are also edible, citing the example of nightshade plants, which vary widely in toxicity and edibility.
  • A different participant highlights the variability in edibility between species and even among different parts of the same plant, emphasizing that some parts may be safe for certain animals but toxic to humans.
  • One participant claims that apple leaves will make a person sick, while noting that apple seeds require significant consumption to be poisonous, and mentions the medicinal uses of raspberry leaves contrasted with its root's toxicity.
  • Another participant states that fruits have evolved to be consumed, while other parts of the plant have evolved to deter consumption.
  • A later reply humorously questions the purpose of the inquiry, suggesting a playful tone in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the edibility of different plant parts, with no consensus reached on the general principles governing plant toxicity and edibility.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of plant edibility, noting that assumptions about one part's edibility do not necessarily apply to others. The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the evolutionary strategies of plants regarding toxicity and edibility.

dimensionless
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I know the seeds are mildly poisonous, but what about the leaves? What about the leaves of other trees like, orange trees, plum trees, maple trees, ground banana tree leaves, etc? If the bark of a tree is edible, does that imply that it's leaves, seeds, and sap are edible as well? Vice versa? There are also some foods that are somewhat toxic, such as acorns, but they are better when prepared a certain way. Certainly there are many perfectly edible plant parts, such as kiwi skins, that are ordinarily disposed of. Can anyone comment on this topic?
 
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No, I wouldn't assert that because one part of a species is edible, that anther part also is. Or even that the part on other species would be edible.

I don't know about apples, but the nightshade, for instance has several varieties of plants that range from edible to lethal, and different parts are edible on different plants.

It all depends on strategies the plant developed over time through mutation and selection; at times, poisoning things that eat it are advantageous. Others times, having something of benefit is advantageous (bees like pollen, so bees pollenate flowers)
 
Edible by who/what? Some items that are delicious for some animals are poison for humans and the other way 'round.

For instance, I love walnuts but it's my understanding that if you feed them to a horse it will likely die.
 
Apple leaves will just make you sick (if you are referring to the standard grocery store kind.) You have to eat at least a quart of the apple seeds for them to be poisonous. (In some herbal remedies, they are advised for cancer.) The other parts won't kill you; just make you sick. (and I'm assuming you are referring to a human.)

But this is just for apple trees. Raspberry leaf has several medicinal uses, the fruit is food, but the root will make you ill. As the other people said, every plant is different.
 
You are all correct. A fruit is a part of a plant that has evolved to be eaten. The rest of the plant has evolved to not be eaten.
 
dimensionless said:
You are all correct.

So why did you ask?

Was this a test?

Did we pass?