Azarole - crataeyus azarolus

« Ice-Cream Bean - inga edulis | Home | Grugru Palm - Acrocomia aculeata »

Azarole - crataeyus azarolus

By goodadmin | June 25, 2007

by steve stamos

Crataegus azarolus (Hawthorn) is a deciduous fruit tree, member of the Rosaceae family that grows up to 15m in height. The azarole has long been cultivated for its edible fruits though it is now going out of favor. Believed to have originated in the Orient, it is found throughout the Mediterranean where the fruit tree requires little care once it is established. This is a hardy specimen with, frost, strong wind and atmospheric pollution tolerance.

A very easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained, moist, loamy soil but is not at all fussy. It can happily grow in acid, neutral or alkaline soils. A position in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit but it can grow in semi-shade. Once established also tolerates drought

All Hawthorns are characterized by their thorny branches and small fruits sometime known as “haws.” They hybridize freely with other members of the genus. Flowers are hermaphrodite, appear in June and have an unpleasant smell. Fruit ripens in early to mid autumn, taste apple-like and it is similar in structure to other Hawthorne. A nut-like carpel surrounded by a fragrant, sugary yet acid flesh and covered with an orange-red to yellow skin. It is a useful tree specimen that could be considered in the back yard garden.

Propagation is by seeds and they are best sown as soon as they ripe in autumn. Seedling trees take from 5 - 8 years before they start bearing fruit, though grafted trees will often do so within 3 years from planting. Hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure, but it is necessary to be used for prolonged period of time to be effective. It is taken as a tea or a tincture.

Azarol
Trees2grow

Visit my other sites

Herb-Gardens