COTONEASTER, a genus of the rose family (Rosaceae), containing about 5o species of shrubs and small trees, natives of Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia. C. vulgaris was a native on the limestone cliffs of the Great Orme in north Wales but is now extinct. Several species are grown in shrubberies and bor ders, or as wall plants, mainly for their clusters of bright red or yellow berry-like fruits. Plants are easily raised by seeds, cuttings or layers, and grow well in ordinary soil.