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Common Name:

General Information

Cotoneaster microphyllus is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitat

Trailing on rocks or spreading on grassy hillsides, 1200 - 5400 metres[]. Rocky slopes, rocky mountain areas, thickets and river valleysat elevations of 2000 - 4200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Flies, midges
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, it prefers a good soil but also does well in poor soils[, , ]. It thrives in lime and is also happy in peaty soils[]. It succeeds in any soil that is not marshy or waterlogged[, ]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade but does not fruit so freely in a shady position[, ]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[, ].
A very ornamental plant[], there are some named forms[]. Most forms are quite slow-growing[, ]. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[] and often self-sows in British gardens[].
A low-growing plant, the branches often root when they come into contact with the soil[].
The flowers, when inhaled near to, have an unpleasant smell like decaying fish[]. They are very attractive to bees whilst the fruit is a good winter food source for many species of birds[].
Plants are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. It is sweet when fully ripe[]. A watery flavour[]. It is possibly edible[]. The fruit is about 7mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The stolons are said to be astringent[].
The stems are astringent[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].
The plant has an extensive root system and a creeping habit above ground. It makes a good soil binder[].
The sub-species C. microphyllus cochleatus can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[, ]. It forms a dense carpet of growth[].

Other Uses

A rose-tan dye is obtained from the fruit.

The leaves are used for incense[].

The branches are used for making baskets[, , ].

Wood - hard, close and even grained[, ]. Used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed. Members of this genus hybridize freely so, if you require seed that breeds true, it is important to obtain it from a known wild source or from a controlled fertilization of garden plants. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame, when it will usually germinate in the spring[, ]. Stored seed germinates faster if given 3 months warm stratification at 15°c and then 3 months cold stratification at 4°c[]. The seed usually germinates within 1 - 18 months at 15°c but it can take 2 years[]. Pot the seedlings up as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them out into nursery beds or into their permanent positions when they are more than 10cm tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame[, ].