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Common Name:

General Information

Pyracantha crenato-serrata is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - N. China.

Habitat

Hillsides, roadsides and waste places[]. Thickets, streamsides and roadsides at elevations of 500 - 2800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a good well-drained, moisture retentive loamy soil[, ]. Succeeds in any soil that is warm and not very heavy[]. Another report says that it grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or part shade, though it does not fruit so well in a shady position[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and reasonable exposure[].
Susceptible to scab and fireblight[], especially when grown on acid sandy soils[]. Intolerant of root disturbance except when young[].
A good bee plant[]. Birds are particularly attracted to the fruit of this plant[].
Closely related to P. atalantioides and P. rogersiana[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves and/or the fruit is used in the treatment of fevers[, ].
The fresh leaves are crushed and applied externally to boils and abscesses[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Remove all the fruit flesh since this can inhibit germination[]. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, sow it as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of almost mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid-August in a cold frame[]. Pot up in early autumn or the following spring[].