Tsar
Cotoneaster frigidus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows to 10 m tall. The branches are spreading and young branches are angular. The leaves are narrowly oval and 4-8 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. The fruit is bright red and narrowly oval. It is 4-5 mm across.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in broad-leaved deciduous forests between 2,800-3,300 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet
How it is used for food
The fruit are bitter but sweet and are eaten raw. The leaves are used for tea.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - tea
How it is grown
In western China it flowers in March to May and fruits September to October.
Its other names
Local names
Gri-pes