Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5371542

Indian Hawthorn

Rhaphiolepis indica

Also known as India Hawthorn, Hong Kong Hawthorn

Indian hawthorn is a dense, slow-growing evergreen shrub cherished for its clusters of fragrant white to star-pink flowers that bloom profusely in early spring. Dark purplish-black pome fruits follow the blooms, persisting into winter to provide a critical cold-weather food source for songbirds. Its leathery, glossy leaves and compact rounded growth form make it a staple in ornamental landscapes across warm temperate regions.

EvergreenFloweringOrnamental
Indian Hawthorn reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Jacy Chen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacy Chen · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil Nutrients
Predators
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • American Robin
  • White-Tailed Deer
ThreatsEntomosporium leaf spot fungus, habitat conversion
HabitatsSubtropical forests, coastal scrub, urban gardens
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyRosaceae
  3. GenusRhaphiolepis
  4. SpeciesRhaphiolepis indica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Pruning: Trim lightly right after spring flowering to maintain shape without harming next year's buds.
  • Foliage Care: Inspect leaves for small red spots, a sign of common fungal leaf spot.
  • Wildlife Observation: Watch for visiting frugivorous birds during late fall and winter.
Related species
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