Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadenensis

Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis, a natural hybrid from the family of rose plants (rosaceae), is a remarkable plant that stands out by its special morphological characteristics and ecological adjustments. This hybrid, created by the intersection of various CRATAEGUS species, can be found especially in certain regions of Europe and known for their great fruits and their importance in the ecosystem.

morphology

Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis is a deciduous shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 2 to 5 meters. The plant has a dense, expansive growth shape, with strongly branched, often thorny branches. The bark is initially smooth and gray-brown, but becomes rougher and scaly in old age.

The leaves are simple, egg -shaped to elliptical and have a serrated or lobed structure. They are about 4 to 8 centimeters long and 2 to 4 centimeters wide. The leaves have a dark green top and a lighter underside. In autumn they often take a yellow-orange up to red coloring, which makes the plant particularly decorative.

The flowers of Crataegus × Macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis appear in late spring, mostly in May. They are white, fifteen and arranged in dense, terminal umbels. Each flower has numerous stamens with striking, pink -colored stamens. The flowers are very fragrant and attract numerous pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The fruits, so-called rose hips, are particularly large with this hybrid compared to other crataegus species. They are around oval, about 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, and have a bright red to orange color when they are ripe. The fruits contain several small seeds and often stay on the plant until winter.

Distribution and Habitat

Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis is located in Europe, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations and often grows in mixed forests, on forest edges, on clearings and in hedge landscapes. It thrives on well -permeable, loamy to sandy soils and shows a high tolerance compared to different soil conditions, including calcareous and slightly acidic floors.

Ecological meaning

Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. The dense inflorescences offer a rich source of food for pollinators, especially for bees and butterflies that contribute to the pollination of many plant species. The flowers also serve as an important source of food for different types of beetles.

The fruits are an important source of food for birds and small mammals. These animals contribute to the spread by eating the fruits and spreading the seeds over their feces. The dense structure of the shrub also offers protection and nesting opportunities for birds and other small animals.

Use and economic importance

Crataegus × macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis is of importance in gardening and landscaping due to their attractive flowers, fruits and autumn color. The plant is often used as an ornamental shrub in gardens, parks and public green areas. It is well suited as a hedge plant or for planting embankments and slopes.

In traditional medicine, crataegus species are valued on the cardiovascular system because of their positive effects. Extracts from the leaves, flowers and fruits are used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure and to improve blood circulation. These medical applications are also for Crataegus × Macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis of interest, although specific studies on this hybrid are limited.

Research and maintenance

Research on Crataegus × Macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis focuses on their ecological interactions, their adaptation mechanisms on different environmental conditions and their genetic diversity. Studies examine the potential medical properties of the plant and its role in natural and cultivated ecosystems.

Conservation measures for Crataegus × Macrocarpa Nothovar. Hadensis include the protection of their natural habitats and the promotion of their cultivation in gardens and parks. Botanical gardens and arboret plays an important role in the preservation of genetic diversity and the provision of information about the plant.