Crataegus baroussana

Crataegus baroussana belongs to the rose family, Rosaceae. Its native range covers three states in northeastern Mexico. These are Nuevo León, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. Kew places it in the subtropical biome. Plants For A Future calls it tejocote. That source records a mountain habitat in Coahuila. The site lies around 6,890 feet [2,100 metres] above sea level.

Sources differ on whether this plant is a shrub or tree. Kew lists it as a tree. Plants For A Future describes a small, deciduous shrub. It gives a garden height of about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The reported spread is also 6.6 feet [2 metres]. It flowers in May, and its seeds ripen in September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Midges carry pollen between the flowers.

The sweet fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. Plants For A Future rates it highly as an edible crop. The fruit suits pies and preserves as well as desserts. Each fruit holds up to five fairly large seeds. These can cling together, forming one stone-like mass. Full sun gives the best fruit yield and quality. Partial shade also suits the plant, but reduces the crop. A sunny woodland edge offers a suitable garden setting.

Plants For A Future describes this species as easy to grow. It favours loam that holds moisture yet drains well. It also grows in sand and heavy clay. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. It grows on chalk, too. Established plants tolerate both drought and very moist ground. The source reports tolerance of strong winds and air pollution. It does not recommend sites exposed to sea winds. It also reports frost tolerance, without giving a hardiness zone.

Seed-grown plants may take five to eight years to fruit. Grafted plants may flower well in their third year. Sow ripe seed in autumn in a cold frame. Germination may occur the next spring or a year later. Stored seed can take longer and emerge unevenly. The hard, dense wood suits tool handles and small wooden items. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or weed risk. This does not establish safety for every use. Its medicinal notes concern other hawthorns, not evidence specific to this species.