Aesculus hippocastanum
The Romans brought familiar species of tree with them to Germania from the Mediterranean region; these included sweet chestnut ("Castanea sativa"), horse chestnut ("Aesculus hippocastanum") and walnut ("Juglans regia"). These species had died out in North Europe during the ice age. The trees were valued for their fruit. In addition, the robust timber of sweet chestnuts was used in wine growing.