Where does rosehip grow in nature and what does it look like - description of the plant

Rosehip is one of the oldest crops. The plant is a shrub that is distinguished by unusual flowers and fruits, as well as the presence of thorns. They are simultaneously responsible for both the aesthetic and decorative aspects, as well as for the productive qualities. To recognize a culture from thousands of others and look for it in the right place, you need to know where rose hips grow and what they look like.

Description of the rosehip bush

Rosehip is a thorny shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The plant shimmers with red-brown shades of branches, and their combination with large pink flowers is responsible for the aesthetic side. What other characteristic features can be identified?

Rosehip flowers: type and features

During flowering, inflorescences appear on the branches, differing in paniculate or corymbose shape. In most cases they are painted in shades of white and pink, but sometimes they are yellow. The inflorescences consist of 4 - 6 buds, which grow up to 10 centimeters in diameter, the maximum number of petals is 11 petals, there are also many pistils and stamens, there is a large corolla, they can be of two types: monocotyledonous, dicotyledonous.

Features of inflorescences:

1. Opens at 5 am, closes closer to 20 pm.
2. Resistance to harsh climatic conditions.
3. They remain fresh for a long time after cutting.
4. Endowed with healing properties, therefore they are used in folk medicine. Some types contain substances that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Infusions and decoctions are made from them to strengthen the immune system and increase the overall tone of the body.

Rose hips: type and shape

The fruits are characterized by the following features:

1. They look like multi-hazel trees, dryish, elongated.
2. Hard peel.
3. The berries are no larger than 15 millimeters in diameter. The nuts are small, elongated, and have faint yellow or brown edges.
4. The surface can be either smooth or bristly. Plaque is present.
5. The color can be orange-red, scarlet or burgundy.
6. Inside there are long yellow hairs.
7. The pulp is fleshy.
8. The top is hard and brittle when pressed.
9. The nuts are small.
10. Ripe fruits have small pentagonal indentations and an empty area in place of a fallen flower.
11. The length varies from 0.7 to 3 centimeters.

Are rose hips a berry or a fruit?

From a botanical point of view, the rose hip is a berry. Confusion with the fruit arises due to the fact that in the case of this shrub, the fruits are formed from several fused small berries surrounded by a common outer shell of thorns, while the usual berry is considered one whole.

In everyday life and cooking, the term “fruit” is broader, so the berries of this crop can be classified as fruits - these are sweet or sour fruiting bodies of plants that differ from berries by the presence of a specific internal structure with seeds and seeds. In the context of this definition, rose hips can be classified as a fruit because they have hard seeds inside each berry.

In fact, they are generally difficult nuts to crack.

Habitats of wild rose hips in nature

Wild rose hips grow throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa. Common habitats:

1. Forests. The shrub prefers open spaces and is often found in coniferous and deciduous forests near the intersection of paths and near ponds.
2. The plant likes coastal areas and coastlines. Salt water, air and wind contribute to its development. The crop plays an important role in strengthening and protecting sand dunes by holding the sand in place with its roots and creating a wind barrier.
3. On rocky slopes and summer cottages near bodies of water. The plant prefers fertile soil with good drainage, but can also survive in poor soil, such as sandstone and clay.

Rosehip growth and development: seasonality and speed

The bush grows quickly.The peak of development occurs in the 3rd year after planting, since this is when strong density is formed.

The ripening period depends on the place of growth and weather conditions. On average, the first harvest occurs in early September in the second year of the growing season. The crop bears fruit consistently for 4 years. The largest and highest quality harvests are produced by plants that are more than 4 but less than 8 years old.

Rose hips can be found almost everywhere. The main feature of the shrub is its unpretentiousness, but at the same time high and stable yield.