Crataegus+monogyna

=**Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)**= Commonly known as the May-tree

Unique Features The only British plant to be named after the month in which it flowers Used for treating cardiac problems Haws are edible and are commonly made into jellies, jams, syrups, and to make wine

Taxonomic Hierarachy

Domain- Eukaryota Kingdom- Plantae Phylum- Magnoliophyta Class- Magnoliopsida Order- Rosales Family- Rosaceae Genus- Crataegus

__Description__

The Crataegus monogyna is a shrub or small tree that usually ranges from 5-14 meters tall. It has a dense crown and the bark is dull brown with vertical orange cracks. The leaves are 2-4 centimeters long and the younger stems have very sharp thorns that are approximately 1 to 1.5 centimeters long. The 3-5 lobed leaves are oval in shape and the flowers are white with a pinkish blush and occur in groups of 9-18. The bright red berries are produced between May and September and are known as haws.

__Cell Type__ Eukaryote

__Reproduction__ Asexual
 * The Crataegus monogyna is an autotroph and the source of energy is from the sun through photosynthesis.

__Habitat__

The Hawthorn grows in hedgerows, scrub, thickets and woodlands in a wide range of habitats. The Hawthorn seems to thrive in calcareous soils, open habitats, heaths, and rocky areas. It is very common throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. In Britain it has been planted as a hedgerow so people don't know its natural range.

__ Predators __

This tree is not threatened



__Symbiotic Relationships__

The haws are very important winter food items for a range of birds, which disperse the seeds in their feces.

__Interesting Facts__ Sources
 * 1) Good source of antioxidants especially the leaves of flowers
 * 2) It is a good firewood which burns with good head and a little amount of smoke
 * 3) Haws are red when they are ripe and develop in groups of 2-3
 * 1) "ARKive - Hawthorn Videos, Photos and Facts - Crataegus Monogyna." //ARKive - Discover the World's Most Endangered Species//. Web. 09 June 2011.
 * 2) "BBC - Gardening: Plant Finder - Hawthorn." //BBC - Homepage//. Web. 09 June 2011.
 * 3) "Crataegus Monogyna." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 09 June 2011.
 * 4) "Hawthorn Crataegus Monogyna, Crataegus Leavigata." //Hedgerows of Britain and Ireland Home Page//. Web. 09 June 2011.