shoots are often covered with dense simple spines of epidermal origin, in addition to them, one to three-part spines of leaf origin are found under the buds
Leaves (assimilation organs)
the leaves are simple, palmately 3 - 5 lobed, round in outline, 3 - 5 cm large
the petiole is 2 - 3 cm long
leaf margin is unevenly serrated
The leaves are softly hairy on both sides
Flowers
flowers are bisexual, five-petaled, green to reddish
they are grouped 2 - 3 in a cluster under the leaf axils
they flower in IV – V
Fruits – seeds
the fruit is a ± 1 cm large, ellipsoid to ovoid berry, green, yellow-red when ripe • the berry is scattered, coarsely hairy, sweet when ripe
Extension
originally from North Africa almost throughout Europe
in Slovakia from the lowest altitudes up to a maximum of 1,470 m above the sea level
Ecology
it grows in the undergrowth, or on the margins of forests, but also on scree and especially at the bases of slopes
it tolerates shading
Significance
it is a fruit-bearing tree (shrub)
it is an important tree for fruit growing - many cultural varieties have been bread on its basis
