Crataegus mexicana

Mexicaanse meidoorn / Mexican hawthorn

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Seeds

Mexican hawthorn belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 2 to 5 meter and a width of 2 to 5 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense.
This species forms a deep root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Eric Hunt, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/379404755

foto: Eric Hunt, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericinsf/379404755

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early may, mid may, end of may
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf), sf, more harvest with cross-pollination

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

roe deer

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Productivity - peak (yield) - maximum: High
Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: End of october, early november, mid november
Harvesting period - length: Several months
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Month, several weeks
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 30
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 100

Culinary appreciation

Very aromatic, the most fragrant hawthorn fruit with a perfumed taste, making it suitable for processing, such as for liqueurs.

References