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The last tree on the left before we get to Dordrecht Way is an extremely rare Hawthorn, Crategus punctata. This is one of the biggest in Britain, superseded only by two growing in London Parks. In 2001 this tree was measured at 8 metres tall and 65 cm in diameter. It is related to our native Hawthorn or May (actually two species, Crategus monogyna and Crategus laevigata) which is common in hedges and woods, but its green leaves are not lobed like those of Hawthorn and its fruits or haws are crimson with white spots. It was introduced to Britain from Eastern North America in the mid-eighteenth century. As this tree is quite rare and not in very good condition, the Friends of the Park hope to propagate from it. This would have to be by grafting or taking cuttings to ensure the resultant offspring are true to form. Hopefully the original can then be replaced when it succumbs to its poor health.
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This page last updated: 26/01/2005
