Descripción
References to this tree in local literature from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as the existence of numerous place-names and surnames derived from ‘cormier’—which still exist in the Côte d’Or—suggest that this forgotten tree once held a prominent place.
In the local vernacular, the service tree was known as ‘l’épruyer’, a term from which the name ‘Les Pruliers’ – well known in the Nuits vineyards – is derived.
Not only were its fruits enjoyed in desserts and drinks, but its particularly hard and heavy wood was indispensable in milling, winemaking, joinery and instrument-making…
Well known in France as far back as the Gallo-Roman period, Charlemagne mandated the planting of service trees on all his estates.
It was widely cultivated until the mid-nineteenth century, then abandoned for economic reasons, and has since become rare.
However, it is currently the focus of innovative local initiatives aimed at its revival, as it holds promise for the future in the context of global warming.
Presentation of documents, maps, tools, photographs and more to support these facts.
Suggested walks to discover specimens in the field.