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1. The latin name for the Sloe is Prunus Spinosa and it is also known as the Blackthorn.

2. The fruit are an ancestor of many varieties of cultivated plum.

3. Sloe stones used to be used to give colour to inferior wines.

4. Sloe stones have been found in prehistoric dwellings, it is thought they may have been used for dying fabric.

5. Straight blackthorn stems have traditionally been used to make walking sticks.

6. Blackthorn blossom is edible and can be crystallised as a cake decoration.

7. Sloe juice can be used as an indelible ink.

8. Sloes are traditionally used to flavour gin, but can also be used for wine, jam, syrup and fruit cheese.

9. Blackthorn bushes are common in hedgerows throughout Britain, except in the north of Scotland.

10. There is great discussion over how to best make sloe gin on the sloebiz forums.