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Iii. Aestivales

May, or Apple Haw (C. aestivalis, T. & G.)--A round-headed, compact tree, with stout trunk, 20 to 30 feet high. Thorns 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, stout, sharp; often absent. Bark thin, fissured and broken into plate-like scales, dark reddish brown. Twigs rufous pubescent, soon becoming smooth and grey or brown. Wood heavy, Close grained, light brown, weak. Buds plump, small, scaly, brown. Leaves elliptical, irregularly wavy-toothed and serrate above the middle, entire and tapering to pubescent petiole; 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, dark green, leathery shining above, with rusty hairs on veins beneath. Flowers with the leaves in February or early March, 2 to 5 in simple corymbs, corolla 1 inch across, white; calyx tips ruddy; stamens 20 to 25, anthers large dark rose. Fruit, May, 1 to 3 in cluster, flattened globes, fragrant, pleasantly sub-acid, juicy, thick fleshed, calyx lobes large, curved back; nutlets 3 to 5, with deep grooves and ridges on back. Preferred habitat, moist, sandy soil. Distribution, Florida to Texas and Arkansas. Uses: Handsome tree for ornamental planting. Fruit sold in Louisiana markets, and made into preserves and jellies.