Crataegus azarolus - Hawthorn

Crataegus azarolus is a Mediterranean fruit tree, close to hawthorns, better known by its names Azarole, Spanish Thorn or even Mediterranean Hawthorn. It is a small tree with no requirements. In warm climates, its spring flowering is followed by the production of fruits called azaroles. They are the size of a small apple and are coloured yellow or red when ripe, depending on the plants. Their flavour is somewhat reminiscent of that of an apple. They are eaten raw or cooked in compotes, jams, and jellies. It is perfect in a defensive or natural hedge associated with other Mediterranean fruit trees.

Originally from Southern Europe, Crataegus azarolus is a slow-growing but very hardy small tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, just like its cousin the hawthorn. It forms a fairly short trunk, branching quite low, with a spread and rounded crown. Eventually, after many years, this hawthorn can reach 10m (33ft) in height and 5m (17ft) in width if conditions are optimal. Its branches are slightly thorny. Flowering occurs in April, taking the form of clusters or corymbs of very small whitish flowers measuring 4 to 6cm (2in) in diameter. They emit a smell often considered unpleasant. The flowers are popular with bees. Fruit production is only possible under a Mediterranean-type climate. After pollination, clusters of globular fruits measuring 2 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter are formed, each containing 3 seeds. They ripen in September. Their pulp is edible, with a pleasant flavour, both sweet and tangy. An adult tree can produce up to 25kg of fruits per year. The foliage is deciduous, appearing in spring and falling in autumn. The triangular-shaped leaves measure 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in length and have 3 or 5 weakly dentate lobes. Their lamina is a shiny light green on the upper side, with a pubescent and greyish underside. These leaves turn yellow in autumn.

The fruits are part of popular culture in all countries of Southern Europe. They are sometimes still sold in Italy or Tunisia in late summer markets. The "pommettes" are very nutritious, containing sugars, pectin, vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Crataegus azarolus adapts to any garden soil, even limestone and dry in summer, in sunny locations. Plant it in a fruit hedge with other carefree shrubs such as the monogynous hawthorn, pomegranate, cotoneaster, Japanese loquat, oval-leaved serviceberry, almonds, jujube, fig trees, olive trees, and European spindle.