Conkers:
- Scientific Name: _Aesculus hippocastanum_
- Tree: Conker trees (horse chestnut trees) are deciduous trees that can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall.
- Nut: Conkers are large, round, and brown with a shiny surface. They are enclosed in a spiky, green husk that opens when the nut is ripe.
- Edibility: Conkers are not considered edible for humans due to the presence of a bitter, toxic substance called aesculin. However, they can be used as a food source for animals, particularly horses and deer.
- Uses: Conkers are primarily used for playing a traditional British game called "conkers," in which players use the nuts as projectiles to break each other's nuts.
Chestnuts:
- Scientific Name: _Castanea sativa_ or _Castanea dentata_ (American chestnut)
- Tree: Chestnut trees are deciduous trees that can grow up to 25 meters (80 feet) tall.
- Nut: Chestnuts are smaller than conkers, oblong in shape, and have a dark brown, glossy skin. They are partially covered by a spiky, green husk that splits into four sections when ripe.
- Edibility: Chestnuts are edible and considered a delicacy. They can be roasted, boiled, or ground into flour for use in various culinary preparations.
- Uses: Chestnuts are commonly used in cooking and baking, particularly during the holiday season. They are also prized for their nutritional value, containing carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.