Botanical Name:-Pyracantha crenulata (D.DON), M Roem.
Family:- Rosaceae
Nepali:- घँगारु
Pyracantha crenulata, commonly known as Ghingharu, Chota Saib, Nepalese Firethorn, Nepal Firethorn, or Himalayan Firethorn (in English), is a thorny, deciduous, perennial shrub native to the Himalayan region, ranging from Sutlej to Bhutan. It is especially widespread in the districts of Nainital, Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Almora, and Pithoragarh, thriving at altitudes between 900 to 2400 meters.
This dense, bushy plant commonly grows in barren, rocky, and dry grasslands. Known for its resilience, it is both drought- and frost-tolerant, capable of surviving temperature variations from subzero conditions up to 35°C. The shrub typically grows 5 to 15 feet tall, is heavily branched, and produces dark red berries during August and September. It is also referred to as Indian Hawthorn.
A tonic derived from the fruit of Ghingharu, named ‘Hridyamrit’—which translates to “Nectar for the Heart”—was developed under the initiative of DRDO. The fruits exhibit cardiotonic, coronary vasodilator, and hypotensive properties, making them beneficial in the treatment of conditions such as cardiac failure, myocardial weakness, paroxysmal tachycardia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and Buerger’s disease.
A mixture of Pyracantha and Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaves was found to enhance brain cell activity and hence to enhance memory.
