**1. Description of Cotoneaster:**
– Cotoneaster is a genus of flowering plants in the rose family, Rosaceae.
– Native to the Palaearctic region, with a concentration in southwestern China and the Himalayas.
– Species vary from ground-hugging prostrate plants to small trees up to 15m tall.
– Leaves are arranged alternately, ovate to lanceolate in shape.
– Flowers are solitary or in corymbs of up to 100 together, with different shades and up to 20 stamens.
**2. Wildlife Value of Cotoneaster:**
– Used as larval food plants by some Lepidoptera species.
– Flowers attract bees and butterflies, and fruits are eaten by birds.
– Red berries are attractive to blackbirds and thrushes.
– Some species are invasive weeds in certain regions.
**3. Cultivation and Uses of Cotoneaster:**
– Popular garden shrubs grown for their habit and decorative fruit.
– Some species are listed as invasive and are culled to prevent damage.
– Cotoneaster glaucophyllus is an invasive weed in Australia and California.
**4. Nomenclature and Classification of Cotoneaster:**
– Genus name Cotoneaster derives from cotoneum, a Latin name for the quince.
– The name is correctly masculine and is often divided into two or more sections.
– Hybridization complicates the classification of the genus.
**5. Edibility and Toxicity of Cotoneaster:**
– Cotoneaster berries are eaten by birds and not suitable for human consumption.
– Berries are considered poisonous and not recommended for human consumption.
– The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia lists Cotoneaster berries as toxic.