Pyracantha coccinea
Pyracantha coccinea
Safety & Hazards
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Botanical Description
Pyracantha coccinea is a spiny, evergreen shrub with a spreading crown and a very dense habit; it can grow up to 4.5 metres tall[ 1212 Title New Trees Publication Author Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H. Publisher Kew Publishing; London Year 2009 ISBN 1842461737 Description Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge, and is sometimes grown on slopes to help stabilize the soil. Pyracantha coccinea has been widely introduced, mainly in the temperate zone and primarily for use as an ornamental plant. It fruits freely and the fruits are eaten by brds which then transport the seeds in their droppings. The plant has become naturalized in some areas outside its native range and is of some concern due to its potential effects on natural habitats and its being a potential reservoir of the fruit-tree pathogen Erwinia amylovora. However, it is has only been recorded as invasive in a small number of countries, and in most of these sources differ as to how invasive it is[ 1093 Title Invasive Species Compendium Publication Author Website http://www.cabi.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc). ].