Indian hawthorn, East Indian Hawthorn
Rhaphiolepis indica
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 2 m tall. The leaves are leathery, simple and oval. They have teeth along the edge. The leaves are 5 cm long. They are dark green. The tips are pointed. The flowers are small and rose like. They are pink or white and occur in branched clusters. The fruit is a small purple or black fleshy fruit.
There are about 9-15 Rhaphiolepis species. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate to subtropical plant. It needs regular moisture but less when cool. It needs a moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It needs full sun. In China it grows between 700-1,600 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-11. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, Cambodia, China, Europe, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Pacific, SE Asia, Singapore, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. It can also be grown from cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Chelunmei, Kembang mei india, Wheel mei