conkers

Conkers are the seeds of the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum). The seeds develop inside a green, spiny outer husk that splits open in autumn. The glossy brown seed inside is commonly referred to as a conker. Conkers are not edible and can be poisonous if eaten. The horse chestnut tree is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia but has been widely planted as an ornamental tree in temperate regions.

Conkers as a game: in Britain, Ireland, and parts of the Commonwealth, children use a conker threaded on a string. Each player holds a string-tied conker and takes turns striking the opponent's conker; the aim is to crack the other player's conker. If a conker breaks, the other player wins that round; the winner may keep the unbroken conker or take both conkers depending on local rules. The game is traditionally played in autumn and has many regional variations regarding rules and scoring.

Etymology and safety: the term conker is British English for the seed used in the game; the exact origin of the word is uncertain. Although conkers are associated with autumn, they should not be eaten. They should be kept away from small children who might swallow them, and hands should be washed after handling. The seeds of the horse chestnut contain toxins and are different from the edible chestnut (Castanea), which belongs to a different genus. The conker game remains a nostalgic seasonal pastime in its regions.