Rosaceae FAMILY Least Concern

Pyracantha crenulata

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & 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 Description

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)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - northern Pakistan, India, Nepal, southern and eastern China, Myanmar, Vietnam

HabitatShrubberies, open slopes, cultivated areas, at elevations from 1,000 - 2,400 metres from Kashmir to S.W. China[ 51 Title Flowers of the Himalayas. Publication Author Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Publisher Oxford Universtiy Press Year 1984 ISBN - Description A very readable and good pocket guide (if you have a very large pocket!) to many of the wild plants in the Himalayas. Gives many examples of plant uses. ]. Slopes, roadsides, streamsides, among shrubs, grassy places, valleys[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].