Crataegus nigra

Waldst. & Kit.

Hungarian hawthorn

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 37 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Crataegus nigra, the Hungarian thorn, Hungarian hawthorn or black hawthorn, is a black-fruited species of hawthorn native to the western balkan and the Pannonian Basin, spanning from Slovakia to Albania. The fruit, which is up to 10 mm across, can be consumed fresh or cooked.. This tree also grows in the forests of northern Iran in the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan. This plant is the main food of pheasants in these regions. In Mazandaran, it is called Valik in the local language and in Gilan, it is called Marikh in the local language. The tree grows up to 6 metres in height. Unlike most other species of hawthorn, it grows well in areas that are periodically flooded.

Description

A deciduous tree growing 6m tall, hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers appear in May with hermaphroditic, midge-pollinated blooms. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist or wet soil but handles drought. Resists strong winds and atmospheric pollution but not maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and has a soft flesh. About 1cm in diameter, it is suitable for pies and preserves, and can be dried for later use. Up to five fairly large seeds in the centre tend to stick together, giving the impression of eating a cherry-like fruit with a single stone.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Although no specific research has been recorded for this species, the fruits and flowers of hawthorns in general are well established in herbal folk medicine as a heart tonic — a reputation supported by modern research. Both parts exert a hypotensive effect and act as a gentle, direct cardiac tonic, making them particularly useful for treating a weak heart accompanied by high blood pressure. Treatment must be continued over a prolonged period to be effective, and is typically taken as a tea or tincture.

Distribution

Temperate.

Where It Grows

Europe, Hungary,

Cultivation

A very easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained moisture retentive loamy soil but is not at all fussy. Once established, it succeeds in excessively moist soils and also tolerates drought. It grows well on a chalk soil and also in heavy clay soils. A position in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit, they also succeed in semi-shade though fruit yields and quality will be lower in such a position. Most members of this genus succeed in exposed positions, they also tolerate atmospheric pollution. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Seedling trees take from 5 - 8 years before they start bearing fruit, though grafted trees will often flower heavily in their third year. The flowers have a foetid smell somewhat like decaying fish. This attracts midges which are the main means of fertilization. When freshly open, the flowers have more pleasant scent with balsamic undertones. Seedlings should not be left in a seedbed for more than 2 years without being transplanted.

Propagation

Seed is best sown fresh in autumn in a cold frame; some will germinate the following spring, though most are likely to take a further year. Stored seed germinates slowly and erratically — warm stratify for 3 months at 15°C, then cold stratify for 3 months at 4°C, and even then germination may take another 18 months. Scarifying before stratification may shorten this period, and fermenting the seed briefly in its own pulp can also help. Alternatively, harvest seed 'green' — once the embryo is fully developed but before the seedcoat hardens — and sow immediately in a cold frame for possible spring germination. For small batches, pot seedlings individually as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on for the first year before planting out in late spring. For larger quantities, sow direct into a protected outdoor seedbed and undercut the roots if plants are to remain in situ for more than two years.

Other Uses

The wood is heavy, hard, tough, and close-grained, making it well suited to small turned or carved items such as tool handles and mallets. The plant is also noted for its scent.

Notes

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Also Known As

Savanykas galagonya

References (3)

Denes, A., et al, 2012, Wild plants used for food by Hungarian ethnic groups living in the Carpathian Basin. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae 81 (4): 381-396
Descr. icon. pl. Hung. 1:62, t. 61. 1801
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/