Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Common hawthorn

(Crataegus monogyna)

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Description

Crataegus monogyna, commonly known as the common hawthorn or single-seed hawthorn, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world. In this article, we will discuss the botanical characteristics, habitat, uses, and cultural significance of Crataegus monogyna. Botanical Characteristics Crataegus monogyna is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that grows up to 5-15 meters tall. The bark is gray-brown, smooth, and has numerous small, raised lenticels. The branches are numerous, crooked, and thorny, with long, slender thorns up to 3cm long. The leaves of Crataegus monogyna are simple, alternate, and deeply lobed, with serrated edges. They are dark green and glossy above, and paler and hairy beneath. The flowers of Crataegus monogyna are white or pinkish, with five petals and numerous stamens. They appear in dense clusters in May and June and have a sweet, slightly musky fragrance. The fruit of Crataegus monogyna is a small, red, or dark purple pome, about 1cm in diameter, with a slightly sour taste. It contains a single hard seed or stone and is edible, though not particularly palatable. Habitat and Distribution Crataegus monogyna is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, where it grows in woodlands, hedges, and scrubland, and on rocky slopes and cliffs. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Crataegus monogyna has been widely introduced and cultivated in temperate regions around the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It is often used as a hedgerow plant and is valued for its ornamental qualities, as well as its medicinal and culinary uses. Uses Crataegus monogyna has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Its leaves, flowers, and fruits are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, procyanidins, and triterpenoids, which have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. In traditional medicine, Crataegus monogyna has been used to treat a range of ailments, including digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and cardiovascular disorders. It is believed to improve circulation, strengthen the heart, and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In culinary applications, the fruits of Crataegus monogyna are used to make jams, jellies, and sauces, and are sometimes added to pies and other desserts. The young leaves and flowers can also be used in salads or as a garnish. Cultural Significance Crataegus monogyna has a rich cultural and symbolic significance in many cultures around the world. In Celtic mythology, hawthorn was associated with the faerie realm and was believed to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck. In Christian tradition, hawthorn was said to have been used to make the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ, and is sometimes referred to as the "holy thorn". In folklore, hawthorn was believed to be a gateway to the Otherworld and was associated with fertility, love, and protection. It was often planted near homes and churches, and its branches were used to ward off evil spirits and protect against lightning strikes.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Rosales
Family:Rosaceae
Genus:Crataegus
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