Crataegus azarolus
Azarole
Crataegus azarolus, commonly known as the Azarole, is a resilient deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its small, fleshy fruits and thorny branches, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical value. It is traditionally utilized in folk medicine for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective therapeutic properties.
- Scientific name: Crataegus azarolus
- Family: Rosaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Crataegus as the species Crataegus azarolus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rosaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Crataegus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Crataegus azarolus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Russian, it is referred to as Боярышник азAROLь, while in Dutch, it is called Azarooldoorn. It is known as Zanzavrëin in Ems, and in Catalan, the name used is atzeroler. Additionally, in German, the species is commonly known as Azaroldorn.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Боярышник азароль | Wikidata |
| nl | Azarooldoorn | Wikidata |
| eml | Zanzavrëin | Wikidata |
| ca | atzeroler | Wikidata |
| de | Azaroldorn | Wikidata |
| ar | زعرور شائع | Wikidata |
| pl | Głóg włoski | Wikidata |
| az | Azarol yemişan | Wikidata |
| he | עוזרר אדום | Wikidata |
| eu | Mazpil | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range across several Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented in the Balearic Islands, France, Sardinia, and Spain. Moving eastward, its distribution extends into Southeastern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing within the borders of Greece. Together, these locations define its primary geographical footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Crataegus azarolus, is a deciduous shrub or small tree characterized by a woody stem that often features thorns. The leaves are typically simple, ovate, and arranged alternately along the branches, providing a lush green canopy during the growing season. During the spring, the plant produces delicate, profuse flowers that are usually white or pale pink, attracting various pollinators. As the season progresses, these blossoms develop into a fleshy, globose fruit, often referred to as a haw, which serves as a significant part of the plant's medicinal and nutritional profile.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leave | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Crataegus azarolus has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include quercetin, (-)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, digitoxin, fatty acids.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| quercetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| digitoxin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lucenin-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Crataegus azarolus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anxiolytic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Crataegus azarolus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include mental health, uterine contraction.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| mental health | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uterine contraction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |