3345.010 Crataegus L.

Small much-branched trees or shrubs, mostly deciduous, often spiny; stipules conspicuous. Leaves alternate, simple, margins entire, serrate or lobed. Inflorescence corymbose, flowers rarely solitary, bracts present. Calyx tube campanulate, mouth contracted; lobes 5, short. Petals 5, inserted in throat of calyx tube, white, pink or rarely red. Ovary inferior. Fruit small round or oval berry, red, yellow or black; usually with juicy flesh.

Worldwide: About 180 species in temperate regions of the Old World and 900 in North America.

Malawi: 1 cultivated taxon.