Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Crataegus monogyna 'Biflora' (Glastonbury Thorn) Vandalized, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
The Glastonbury Thorn (Crataegus monogyna 'Biflora'), belived by the faithful to be the clone of a Hawthorn planted by Joseph of Arimathea in England two-thousand years ago, was vandalize on the night of December 8, just after a sprig is cut from the tree to send to the Queen of England to decorate her Christmas dinner table as is the custom on every December 8.

A specimen of Common Hawthorn found at Glastonbury, first mentioned in an early sixteenth century anonymous metrical Life of Joseph of Arimathea, was unusual in that it flowered twice in a year, once as normal on "old wood" in spring, and once on "new wood" (the current season's matured new growth) in the winter. This flowering of the Glastonbury Thorn in mild weather just past midwinter was accounted miraculous.

Glastonbury Thorn, Crataegus monogyna 'Biflora'
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/172646/

Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury Thorn
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastonbury_Abbey#Glastonbury_T...

Here are some news reports on the vandalized tree:

2,000-year-old Holy Thorn Tree of Glastonbury is cut down
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1337159/Glastonburys...

Vandals destroy Holy Thorn tree in Glastonbury
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/8192459/...

VANDALS HACK DOWN HOLY TREE
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/216534/Vandals-hack-down...

Glastonbury Thorn chopped down as town rages over attack on famous tree
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/09/glastonbur...

Mike