Scarlet Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), fam. Rosaceae.
   An evergreen shrub with dense branches and thorns; it is widespread in Sosnovyi (Pine) Park near the DVRZ Cultural Centre in Kyiv. This is a relatively heat-loving plant, originating from South Europe; it can be somewhat frost-bitten in Kyiv.
   Blooms in the end of May. White flowers are arranged in racemes, like those of Rowan, and their smell also reminds the latter. In summer scarlet firethorn is unremarkable, but in autumn it again becomes attractive owing to lots of red fruits. These fruits are not really edible due to bitterish taste; but they are not toxic as well. In winter they are sometimes eaten by the birds.

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