Crataegus Pinnatifida Crataegus Fructus Crataegi

Pinyin: Shan Zha Latin: Crataegus Pinnatifida, Crataegus Oxyacantha, Crataegus Cuneata, Crataegus Korolkowii, Crataegus Pinnatifida Korolkowii, Mespilus Korolkowii

Common Name

Chinese Hawthorn, Hawthorn Fruit

Physical Characteristics

A decidious Tree growing to 7.5m. It is hardy to zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Midges. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.*

Family

Rosaceae

Edible Uses*

Edible Parts: Fruit. Fruit - raw or cooked. A pleasant flavour, it is sold in local markets in China. The fruit can be used in making pies, preserves, etc, and can also be dried for later use. A good size, it is up to 25mm in diameter. There are up to five fairly large seeds in the centre of the fruit, these often stick together and so the effect is of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single seed.*

Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) Uses*

The fruits and flowers of hawthorns are well-known in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic and modern research has borne out this use. The fruits and flowers have a hypotensive effect as well as acting as a direct and mild heart tonic. They are especially indicated in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure. Prolonged use is necessary for it to be efficacious. It is normally used either as a tea or a tincture. The fruits are anticholesterolemic, cardiotonic, stomachic and vasodilator. Their use improves the blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. The fruits are used in the treatment of dyspepsia, stagnation of fatty foods, abdominal fullness, retention of lochia, amenorrhoea, postpartum abdominal pain, hypertension and coronary heart disease.*

References

Source: Crataegus Pinnatifida Major - Crataegi Fructus Plants For A Future, England 1996-2008.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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