Crataegus Pontica - pontic hawthorn

Crataegus Pontica, known as a pontic hawthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree from the family of the rose plants (rosaceae). This plant is located in the mountain regions and forests of the Caucasus and Asia Minor. Crataegus Pontica is appreciated because of its attractive flowers, edible fruits and ecological importance. It plays an important role in the natural ecosystems of her home areas and finds increasingly interest in botanical gardens and landscape design.

morphology

Crataegus Pontica is a medium -sized shrub or small tree that reaches a height of 4 to 8 meters. The tree has a dense, branched crown and a smooth, gray -brown bark that cracks with age. The branches are often occupied by thorns that can be up to 2 centimeters long and serve as a protective mechanism against pasture animals.

The leaves of Crataegus Pontica are egg -shaped to lanceolate, 4 to 8 centimeters long and have serrated edges. They are alternately arranged and have a shiny, dark green top and a pale green bottom. In autumn, the leaves turn into attractive yellow and orange tones before they fall off.

The flowers appear in late spring until early summer, typically from May to June. They are arranged in dense, umbrella -shaped umbels and consist of small, white to cream -colored flowers that have a diameter of about 1 to 1.5 centimeters. Each flower has five petals and numerous stamens with yellow anthers. The flowers attract numerous pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The fruits of Crataegus Pontica, also called HAWS, are around to oval and have a diameter of about 1 to 2 centimeters. They are initially green and colored yellow to orange in late summer until autumn. The fruits are edible and have a sour sweet taste. They contain several small seeds and are popular with birds and other animals.

Distribution and Habitat

Crataegus Pontica is located in the mountain regions and forests of the Caucasus and Asia Minor, including countries such as Georgia, Armenia and Turkey. The plant prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with well -permeable, moderately fertile soils. It often grows in light forests, on clearings and in mountain valleys. Crataegus Pontica is adapted to moderate climate zones and can be found at altitudes of up to 1500 meters above sea level.

Ecological meaning

Crataegus Pontica plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. The plant contributes to ground stabilization and prevents erosion through its deep, extensive root systems. Their flowers offer nectar and pollen for a variety of pollares, while the fruits represent an important source of food for birds and other animals. The plant thus promotes biodiversity and contributes to the ecological balance.

Use and economic importance

Crataegus Pontica is often used in landscape design and horticulture. Your decorative flowers, attractive leaves and edible fruits make you a popular choice for gardens, parks and urban green spaces. The plant is relatively easy to care for and adaptable, which makes it ideal for a variety of horticultural techniques.

The fruits of Crataegus Pontica are edible and have a sour-sweet taste. They can be freshly consumed or processed into jams, jellies and other canned goods. In traditional medicine, parts of the plant are occasionally used, in particular to support heart health and as a mild sedative. It is believed that the fruits and leaves have anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Research and maintenance

Research on Crataegus Pontica focuses on their ecological role, their adaptation mechanisms on various environmental conditions and their potential applications in horticulture and medicine. Botanical gardens and research institutions are working to preserve the genetic diversity of this plant and further examine its properties. Conservation measures include the protection of natural habitats and the promotion of sustainable land use in order to stabilize the populations of Crataegus Pontica.