Rockspray cotoneaster
Cotoneaster microphyllus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It has many branches. It is compact with many twigs. It often lies along the ground. It often forms a mound 1 m high. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are 0.3-1.5 cm long by 0.2-0.5 cm wide. They are oval and leathery. They are glossy dark green above. The flowers occur singly. They are white and in the axils of leaves. The fruit is round and scarlet when ripe.

There are more than 200 Cotoneaster species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They are very frost hardy. It needs an exposed position with full sun. In Nepal they grow between 1300-3500 m altitude. In Uttar Pradesh in India they grow between 2000-4000 m altitude. It is best in a light to medium well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The ripe fruits are eaten fresh and are watery in taste.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. It can be pruned. It can also be grown by cuttings.

In NW Pakistan fruit are available in May.

Its other names

Local names

Bani, Bhoibuju, Chhar, Gheri, Mamanrha, Manray, Pate, Tharme, Theki jhar, Thuksing, Tsarlam, Tsarleb

Synonyms

Cotoneaster cochleatus (Franch.) g. Klotz; and others