Subject: "Living Fence" From: Bill Nourse <nourse@bellsouth.net> Organization: Date: Mon, 01 Mar 99 03:56:13 Message-ID: <MOD$990228.15254@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
Several years ago, I remember reading about a "living fence" that was
used as a security/perimeter planting at certain sensitive government or
military installations where high-impact barbed-wire or chain-link fence
might not be appropriate or cost effective. It seems to me that the
shrub was a relative of the Osage Orange and was called "trifoliate
something-or-other," but I haven't been able to find anything on the Web
about it.
It had thorns about 3" long and was supposed to be an effective barrier
against human intruders and larger animals if properly planted and
developed. It flowered in the Spring, did not bear edible fruit. Over
time, it would grow into a dense shrub that would actually stop a
vehicle if it got big anough and intertwined with adjacent shrubs. I
think it was touted as "living fence" by some industrial security
professionals.
Does anyone know what I'm talking about, and where/if it is available
commercially?