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Crataegus azarolus L.

The tree is about 12 m tall and about 10 m wide. A Shrub or small spiny tree from Creata island, azaroles belong to the Rosaceae family. They are thermophilous plants whicj love calcareous and clayish soils. They are spread in all the Mediterranean basin and they are present on hills in Italy with a good exposure to the sun and in their wild state, but they are an endangered species. Azeroles are often planted for decorative purposes and grafted on Crataegus monogyna; these plants are sensitive to fire blights and because of this their plantation is forbidden in certain regions. The edible fruits were highly appreciated in the past and they can be eaten when they are fresh or can be used for the production of marmalades or dried out for herbal medicine, since they have a high content of Vitamin C and Provitamin A.

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