Flowers:
– Plants reach up to 4.5m (15ft) tall
– Leaves are small and oval
– Flowers are small, white, 5-merous, and many stamened
– Fruit are red, orange, or yellow pomes
– Flowers bloom in late spring, fruits develop in late summer, and mature in late autumn
Fruit:
– Pyracantha fruits are classified as pomes
– Pulp is safe for human consumption but insipid
– Seeds contain mildly poisonous cyanogenic glycosides
– Chewing raw seeds can cause mild gastrointestinal problems
– Fruits can be made into jelly and are valuable bird food in winter
Fossil record:
– Fossil fruits of Pyracantha acuticarpa found in middle Miocene strata in Denmark
– Large number of fossils described from Fasterholt area near Silkeborg
– Provides insights into the historical distribution and evolution of Pyracantha
– Indicates presence of Pyracantha in Denmark during the Miocene period
Taxonomy:
– Pyracantha is a member of the Rose family
– Genus includes seven species
– Defined by 19th-century botanist Max Joseph Roemer
– Taxonomic classification provides understanding of Pyracantha’s evolutionary relationships
– Taxonomy aids in plant identification and conservation efforts
Species:
– Pyracantha angustifolia: Southwest China
– Pyracantha atalantioides: Southern China
– Pyracantha coccinea: Northeastern Spain to Northern Iran
– Pyracantha crenatoserrata: Central China
– Pyracantha crenulata: Himalaya
– Pyracantha koidzumii: Taiwan
– Pyracantha rogersiana: Yunnan
– Diversity of Pyracantha species reflects adaptation to different regions
– Each species has unique characteristics and geographical distribution
– Species diversity contributes to the overall biodiversity of Pyracantha
Cultivation:
– Pyracanthas are valuable ornamental plants grown for decorative flowers and fruit
– Thorns can puncture human skin causing inflammation and pain
– Dense thorny structure makes them ideal for barriers and security purposes
– Provide cover for roosting and nesting birds, food for bees, and berries for wildlife
– Some Pyracantha species are invasive in certain regions, requiring control measures
References:
– Various sources provide information on Pyracantha taxonomy, cultivation, and uses
– References include botanical publications, plant databases, and horticultural resources
– Citations help in verifying information and conducting further research
– Reliable references contribute to the credibility of information presented
– Access to diverse sources enhances understanding of Pyracantha biology and ecology