Rhaphiolepis is a genus of about 15 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Rosaceae, native to warm temperate and subtropical eastern and southeastern Asia, from southern Japan, southern Korea and southern China south to Thailand and Vietnam. The genus is closely related to Eriobotrya (loquats). The common name hawthorn (shared with the related genus Crataegus) is used for the species.

The species vary in size, some only reaching 1-1.5 m, while R. ferruginea can reach 10 m. The leaves are alternate, leathery, glossy dark green, simple, 3-9 cm long, with an entire or serrated margin. The flowers are white or pink, 1-2 cm diameter, produced in small to large corymbs. The fruit is a small pome 1-2 cm diameter, ripening dark purple to black, usually containing only a single seed.

Cultivation and uses

The best known species is R. indica (Indian Hawthorn) from southern China, grown for its decorative flowers, and popular in bonsai culture. R. umbellata (Yeddo Hawthorn) from Japan and Korea is the hardiest species, tolerating temperatures down to about -15 °C.

The fruit is edible when cooked, and can be used to make jam.

Maloideae