Found this plant next to a heavily wooded
Pine forest next to my house. I’ve never
Noticed berries with an elongated shape
Like this and was curious as to what it might
Be. I live in the midlands of S.C. . Thank you very much
For Your time.
Nick A.
Hi Nick,
this is a sassafras tree, Sassafras albidum, well known for its former uses as a root tea and for gumbo filet. This one is really happy this year, because they do not always produce so many fruits. It is related to the avocado, actually, and the true laurel of the Mediterranean. More information can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassafras
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven R. Hill, Botanist, SCNPS