Tejocote Live Plant (Crataegus mexicana)

The thorny, deciduous Crataegus mexicana tree or shrub can reach heights of 4 to 7 metres, and on rare occasions 10 metres. For domestic use, the tree is regularly harvested from the wild. It is also grown for its fruit, particularly in Mexico. The fruit can be purchased at neighbourhood markets. The plant can also be used as a rootstock and is occasionally planted as an ornamental. Fruits can be consumed raw or made into syrup, marmalade, jam, and jelly. The golden fruit has a maximum diameter of 20 mm, is juicy and mealy, and has an apple-like flavour. The fruit is abundant in vitamin C and is used in traditional medicine.

Common Name: Mexican hawthorn, Manzanita tejocotera

Botanical Name: Crataegus mexicana

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 4 to 5 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate