Cornelian cherry, Fruit
Cornelian Cherry is the common name given to the tree and fruit of European Cornel (Cornus mas), one of the 30-50 species of deciduous trees and shrubs in genus Cornus in family Cornaceae. It is native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. European Cornel is a small tree or large shrub growing 5-12 m tall, usually grown for ornamental purposes. It has upright rounded to upright spreading growth habit, multi-trunked or single-trunked and branching low to the ground. The trunk is light brown, exfoliating to light yellow-tan shades. It has dark brown branches and greenish twigs. The leaves are opposite, medium to dark green, somewhat shiny, ovate to oblong shape with an entire margin, 4-10 cm long and 2-4 cm broad. In late winter, the small flowers with four yellow petals, 5-10 mm in diameter, are produced in a clusters of 10-25 together, blossom before the emergence of the leaves. The single-seeded fruit is an oblong red drupe, 2 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. The edible fruit is astringent when unripe, turning from green to bright cherry red when ripe in mid to late summer. The fruit only fully ripens after it falls from tree, turning dark cherry red. It has acidic flavor, and is mainly used for making jam or sauce similar to cranberry sauce. It can also be eaten dried. European Cornel is an easy to grow plant with virtually no pest or disease problem. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, moist and well-drained soil. Propagation is by rooted stem cuttings or by seeds.  Fruits of Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry) Author: B.navez (public domain) | ||
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