India-hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica, Bot. Reg. 6: t. 468 (1820))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: (L.) Lindl.

Bibliography: Bot. Reg. 6: t. 468 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhaphiolepis

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. China to Indo-China, Japan to Ogasawara-shoto

Description

India-hawthorn, recognized scientifically as Rhaphiolepis indica, is a versatile and aesthetically appealing plant, often found gracing gardens and landscapes. Originating from regions stretching from Southern China to Indo-China, and extending to Japan and Ogasawara-shoto, this species is a testament to the diverse flora native to these areas.

Belonging to the Rosaceae family, India-hawthorn is celebrated for its ornamental value. The plant typically grows as a compact shrub, prized for its dense, evergreen foliage that maintains its vibrant appearance throughout the year. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and have an attractive glossy finish, contributing significantly to the plant’s lush appeal.

One of the key highlights of Rhaphiolepis indica is its charming blossoms. During the blooming season, the shrub is adorned with clusters of small, fragrant flowers. These flowers, ranging in color from pure white to delicate shades of pink, add a delightful touch of color and a sweet scent to the surrounding environment. As the flowers fade, they give way to small, dark-colored berries that add another dimension to the plant’s ornamental qualities.

The adaptability of India-hawthorn makes it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers. It thrives in various soil types and conditions, showing notable resilience against pollutants and requiring relatively low maintenance compared to other ornamental plants. This robustness makes it an excellent option for urban and suburban planting, where environmental stressors can often limit the success of less hardy species.

Additionally, India-hawthorn provides environmental benefits. Its dense foliage offers habitat and protection for various bird species, and the berries serve as a food source for wildlife, helping to promote biodiversity within gardens and urban green spaces.

In summary, Rhaphiolepis indica is a remarkable plant that combines beauty with resilience. Its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and ease of care make it a notable choice for enhancing landscapes, while its ecological contributions underscore its value beyond mere aesthetics. Whether utilized in domestic gardens or public parks, India-hawthorn remains a cherished and admired member of the Rosaceae family.

Common Names

Eng: india-hawthorn, indian-hawthorn
Deu: chinesischer traubenapfel
En: India-hawthorn, Indian-hawthorn
Zh: Shi ban mu, 石斑木
De: Chinesischer Traubenapfel
Zh-tw: 石斑木
Zh-hant: 石斑木

Synonyms

• Rhaphiolepis brevipetiolata (J.E.Vidal)
• Pyrus rhaphiolepis (M.F.Fay & Christenh.)
• Rhaphiolepis indica var. typica (Nakai)
• Mespilus indica ((L.) Poir.)
• Crataegus indica (L.)

Distribution

• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Ogasawara-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• New South Wales (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Oct 20, 2021 by Damien Burke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Holly Clark (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Bear Varine (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2019 by Denis Moulin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2019 by mreggiardo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Shane Fouche (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2021 by yvette scheppegrell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2021 by Jerome Sudre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Samantha Goncalves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by Pskl contal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by luke McMartin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 13, 2022 by Maria Riaikkenen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by Julia Tabone (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2020 by PE Laia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Holly Clark (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2021 by Borgia La (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 3, 2022 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2019 by Amara Sakura (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2022 by Rose Rose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2019 by karamea karamea (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Jessica Doyle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Juan Francisco Iaconis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Holly Clark (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/5371542)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:731389-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhaphiolepis indica (L.) Lindl.)

Specifications

Growth