El crataegus monogyna It is very curious, because it is not even entirely clear if we can consider it a shrub or a small tree. Furthermore, more than by its scientific name, it is known by many different nicknames.
Depending on the area you are in, you may have heard it called hawthorn, arto, hawthorn, hawthorn, aguapero, amayelo, arsino, manzaneta arto, majuelas hawthorn, lime flower, mangorlita, mochuetas, mojolino… and we could continue like this for a long time. But regardless of the name we give it, we are talking about a shrub that is interesting to get to know a little better.
Origin and natural habitat of the crataegus monogyna
This species of tree or shrub (depending on how we want to consider it) belongs to the Rosaceae family, and is native to Europe, where it spreads wild throughout almost the entire continent. Nevertheless, It is also possible to observe it in North Africa and Western Asia.
One of its main characteristics is that it is capable of thriving in different environmental conditions, and adapts well to more or less acidic soils, more or less rich in nutrients.
However, it most commonly grows in open forests, roadsides, and even vacant land. And we can also see it in some meadows and in the slopes of mountainous areas.
The fact that it can adapt and grow in different environments is very beneficial for the ecosystem. Because it provides food and shelter to a wide variety of animals, especially birds, which feed on its berries and find in its dense, thorny foliage the best place to nest peacefully, safe from predators.
Apparently, this tree has been present in human culture for centuries. In fact, in Celtic mythology, magical powers were attributed to it and it was considered a symbol of protection. In the European folk tradition, It was believed that planting a hawthorn near the house was the best way to keep witches and evil away.
In addition, both its berries, flowers and leaves have been used in traditional medicine, due to their cardiotonic properties that help in the treatment of heart conditions.
Physical characteristics of the crataegus monogyna
To know if we are in the presence of this type of shrub, we must look at the following physical features:
Height and shape
Hawthorn is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 10 meters in height. For this reason, it is often classified as a small tree.
Naturally, its shape is rounded and dense, with thorny branches that extend from the main trunk to create a compact and difficult to access structure.
Leaves
Its foliage is bright green during the summer, but as fall arrives it turns yellow or reddish before falling.
They are simple, alternate leaves, between oval and lanceolate in shape, and Its edges may be toothed or lobed.
Flowers
This shrub produces small flowers that are grouped in dense inflorescences known as corymbs. The flower peduncles arise at different points on the axis, which
Physical characteristics of the crataegus monogyna
The flowers are white or slightly pink and, despite their small size, their particular growth pattern makes the flowering of this shrub very attractive.
As is common in many species, the flowers appear in spring, and their fragrant aroma attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thus contributing to maintaining biodiversity in ecosystems.
Fruits
After the flowers, small round drupes appear. bright red, which do not mature until autumn arrives.
Inside each fruit there is a single seed, and these berries They are the food source for many species of birds who, without knowing it, are helping the dispersion of the seeds.
Thorns
The crataegus monogyna is robust. Its grayish to light brown bark contributes to this. It gets rougher as time goes by, because fissures and grooves appear.
In addition, its branches have sharp thorns that can be longer or shorter depending on the variety of hawthorn. These thorns protect the shrub from herbivores and other predators.
Can you eat the berries of crataegus monogyna?
We have said that the berries of this small tree are a source of food for birds, but also They can be consumed by humans.
They have a soft and meaty texture, with a flavor that is halfway between sweet and slightly acidic. Although they can be consumed raw, the usual thing is use them to create jams, jellies, infusions, and even for the maceration of wines.
In recent years, interest in the hawthorn fruit has grown, because it is a natural source of Vitamin C and helps regulate blood and nervous tension.
Conditions that hawthorn needs to develop
This is a very adaptable species, but there are a series of conditions that we could consider optimal for its growth:
- Sunlight. This shrub does best in locations where it receives a large amount of direct sunlight each day. The more light it receives, the more abundant its flowering and, therefore, its fruiting will be.
- I usually. The perfect planting medium for crataegus monogyna is one in which it has well-drained soil, with a pH between slightly acidic and neutral. Although it can also adapt to clay and calcareous soils.
- Irrigation. Once it has established itself in the ground, it turns out to be a drought-resistant shrub. It can tolerate short periods of lack of water, but both its flowering and fruiting will be negatively affected.
- Weather. This variety adapts well to different weather conditions. It copes well with heat, but it also withstands cold and even frost.
The crataegus monogyna is much more than just a shrub. It is a plant with a rich cultural history, medicinal uses, and great utility for wildlife.