Black-wood
Cotoneaster racemiflorus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub. It grows 1.8 m high and spreads 1.8 m wide. The stem is erect and slender. The branches arch over. The leaves are oval and hairy. They are velvety underneath and have a spiky tip. The flowers are small and white. The fruit are red.

There are more than 200 Cotoneaster species. The manna is 13% saccharine and 37.5% destrose.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Central Asia, Europe (country/location of origin), Himalayas, India, Iran, Middle East, North Africa, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The plant produces a sweet manna like substance. It is called Shir-Khist.

Edible parts

Manna

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or by cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cotoneaster nummularia Fisch. & Mey.;