Mexican hawthorn
Crataegus pubescens

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A deciduous or semi-evergreen tree. It may or may not have thorns. It grows 6 m high and spreads 3 m wide. The leaves are up to 8 cm long. They are dark green but downy underneath. They turn orange to red in autumn. The flowers are white. The fruit are round or pear shaped. They are yellow-orange.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate and subtropical plant. It can grow in the highlands in the tropics. It will grow in most soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought but damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Kyneton Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Central America, East Africa, Guatemala, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are used to make jelly, jams and preserves. For stewing they are boiled with wood-ashes to remove the skin then boiled in hot syrup.

The fruit are commonly used.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Manzanilla, Manzanita, Teijocote Hawthorn, Tejecote

Synonyms

Crataegus gracilior J. B. Phipps; Crataegus stipulacea;