Azarole (Crataegus azarolus, Sp. Pl.: 477 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 477 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crataegus

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. Africa, E. Medit. to Iraq

Description

The Azarole, scientifically known as Crataegus azarolus, is a remarkable plant species celebrated for its medicinal and ornamental values. This intriguing plant is a member of the Rosaceae family and was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, “Species Plantarum.”

Native to diverse regions spanning from North Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean and extending to Iraq, the Azarole thrives in a variety of climates and landscapes. This adaptability highlights its robustness and ecological versatility, making it a significant species in its native habitats.

The Azarole is prized for its fruit, which is not only consumed fresh but also used in traditional culinary preparations and herbal medicine. The small, apple-like fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to their popularity in both dietary use and natural remedies. Beyond its edible offerings, the Azarole holds a place in many gardens and landscapes due to its appealing aesthetic. The plant typically features a rounded canopy of green foliage, punctuated by clusters of white blossoms in the spring, which later give way to the distinctive fruits.

In addition to its practical uses, the Azarole is also of interest to botanists and horticulturists for its genetic and ecological characteristics. It provides valuable insights into the adaptability and evolution of plant species within the Rosaceae family, particularly those that flourish in varied climatic conditions from arid regions to more temperate zones.

Overall, Crataegus azarolus stands out not only for its utility and beauty but also as a testament to the rich biodiversity and plant heritage of its native regions. Its continued cultivation and study contribute to our understanding and appreciation of the intricate relationships between plants and their environments.

Common Names

Deu: azaroldorn
Fra: azarolier, azérolier, épine d’espagne
Eng: mediterranean-medlar, azarole, mediterranean hawthorn, crete hawthorn, mediterranian medler, mosfilia, oriental hawthorn
Swe: azarolhagtorn
Mlt: anzalor, għanżalor
Ell: μοσφιλιά
Ara: زعرور
En: Azarole, Mediterranean-medlar, Mediterranean Hawthorn, Crete Hawthorn, Mediterranian Medler, Mosfilia, Oriental Hawthorn, Spanish Spine
Ar: زعرور (زَعْرور), زعرور
Ca: Atzeroler
Nl: Azarooldoorn
Fr: Azarolier, Azérolier, Épine d’Espagne
De: Azaroldorn
El: Μοσφιλιά
He: עוזרר אדום
It: Azeruolo, Azzaruolo
Mt: Anzalor, Għanżalor
Es: Acerolo
Sv: Azarolhagtorn

Synonyms

• Oxyacantha azarolus ((L.) Bubani)
• Mespilus azarolus ruscinonensis ((Gren. & Blanc) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Mespilus azarolus ((L.) Duhamel)
• Crataegus azarolus var. lutescens (Weston)
• Pyrus azarolus ((L.) Scop.)
• Crataegus oxyacantha var. azarolus ((L.) Lam.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Hosein Yaghoobi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Ad van der Lee (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Jonathan Onegård (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2022 by nazos markos (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Noah Fleury (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2020 by Christine Siegrist (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Sans Attaches (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Noah Fleury (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Christophe Vayre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by jimmy andres Zamora (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Gave Airam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by holzfabi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Aleksandar Igic (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 6, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2020 by julia juli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 19, 2020 by Margret Causemann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2020 by Pascal Médard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by Valero José (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Noah Fleury (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3013739)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324722-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crataegus azarolus L.)

Specifications

Growth