Common Name: Nepalese White Thorn

General Information

Pyracantha crenulata is a thorny evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its showy fruits and its ability to make an excellent hedge.
Pyracantha crenulata has a wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2022)[].

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 - northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, southern and eastern China, Myanmar, Vietnam

Habitat

Shrubberies, open slopes, cultivated areas, at elevations from 1,000 - 2,400 metres from Kashmir to S.W. China[]. Slopes, roadsides, streamsides, among shrubs, grassy places, valleys[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pyracantha crenulata
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, though it requires protection from cold winds[].
Closely related to Pyracantha coccinea, but it is not as hardy as that species and is best grown on a south-facing wall in Britain[].
Susceptible to scab and fireblight[], especially when grown on acid sandy soils[]. Pyracantha species in general are hosts of the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, which causes fireblight, a disease that seriously affects various cultivated fruit crops such as apples and pears[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are made into a tea-like beverage[, , ].

The fruits are rich in sugar[]. The ripe fruit is eaten fresh[, ]. Mainly only used in times of shortage, when better foods are not available[]. The fruit is 6 - 8mm in diameter[].
Pome orangish yellow or orangish red when mature, nearly globose, 3 - 8mm in diameter[]

Medicinal

The powdered, dried fruit, combined with yoghurt, is used in the treatment of bloody dysentery[, ].

The leaves are used to prepare herbal teas, sun burn creams, and facial creams and are also taken as a nervine tonic[].

A decoction of the bark is administered to treat stomach wounds and pain[].


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

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant makes an excellent hedge[].

Other Uses

The wood is hard, very close and even grained. It is used for walking sticks and to make agricultural implements[, , , ].

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[].