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Pyracantha

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pyracantha is a genus of thorny evergreen large shrubs in the family Rosaceae, with common names firethorn orpyracantha. 

They are native to an area extending from Southeast Europe east to Southeast Asia, resemble and are related to Cotoneaster, 

but have serrated leaf margins and numerous thorns (Cotoneaster is thornless).

Flowers

The plants reach up to 6 m (20 ft) tall. The seven species have white flowers and either red, orange, or yellow berries (more correctly pomes). 

The flowers are produced during late spring and early summer; the pomes develop from late summer, and mature in late autumn.

Berries

Pyracantha berries are mildly poisonous as they contain Cyanogenic glycosides and can cause mild gastro-intestinal problems;

 they are edible only when crushed and washed under running water. They have been made into jelly.