APPLE FAMILY 95 



APPLE FAMILY (Malaceae) 



Shrubs or trees. Leaves alternate. Flowers small, white, in 

 flat-topped clusters. Petals 5. Fruit pulpy, seeds several. 



Hawthorn. White Thorn. Haw (Genus Crataegus) 



These shrubs and trees, with thorny branches, bear 

 many clusters of little roselike flowers, which are followed 

 by little red or yellow apple-like fruit. 



The hawthorns in recent years have been separated into 

 so great a number of species that it is difficult for botanists 

 themselves to be positive in identifying them. Many 

 hundreds of species are found in America; two that show 

 a marked difference in leaf form are given below. 



The chokeberry, Aronia, a thornless shrub of the same 

 family, is sometimes cultivated for its attractive flowers 

 and conspicuous fruit. The lower surface of the leaves, 

 the calyx, and the pedicels are downy. 



Crataegus viridis. Flowers white, about V^ in. across, in 

 flat-topped clusters. Stamens usually 20. Small tree, some- 

 times thornless. Leaves wedge-shaped at base, 1-3 in. long, 

 toothed, shining above, paler beneath. Fruit red, small. Low 

 grounds and damp woods. Blooming in late winter and 

 spring. Fla. to Va., Texas, and Mo. 



Crataegus apiifolia. Flowers similar to above species. 

 Anthers red. Fruit scarlet. Leaves roundish, about 1 in. 

 long, deeply 5-7-cleft, lobes toothed. Swamps and low 

 grounds. Fla. to Ya., Texas, and Mo. 



Aronia arbutifolia. Chokeberry. Flowers white or tinged 

 with red, nearly I/2 in. across, in flat-topped clusters. Sta- 

 mens many, anthers reddish. Shrub 3-10 ft. tall. Leaves 

 1-3 in. long, oblong or oval, minutely toothed. Fruit red, 

 small. Low thickets. Blooming in winter and spring. Fla. 

 to La. and northward. 



