Crataegus songarica
# Crataegus songarica

Crataegus songarica is an Asian species of hawthorn with black fruit that is sometimes used medicinally. It is closely related to Crataegus ambigua, a species that has red fruit.

## Distribution and ecology

The native range of the species covers much of Central Asia and Xinjiang. It grows on limestone or granite, at elevations of 800–2700 m.

## Description

The plant is a tree or small shrub with thorns up to 15 mm in length. The white flowers have 18-20 stamens with purple anthers, and occur in groups of 10–20. The fruit is 6–14 mm in diameter, slightly longer than wide, purplish-black with 1–3 stones (usually 2).

