Mespilus germanica

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

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Read about Mespilus germanica in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Mespilus germanica, Linn. Medlar. Fig. 2368. The only recognized species: small tree, or sometimes only shrub-like, thorny in the wild but usually unarmed in cult.: lvs. simple and nearly sessile, lance-oblong or elongated oblong, pubescent, serrate: fls. large and sessile on short leafy shoots, white or pinkish, pubescent outside; styles usually 5, glabrous and distinct; top of the hypanthium pubescent: fr. a pome with open top bearing a more or less hairy disk and from which the pyrenes or stones partially or slightly protrude. Var. gigantea, Kirchn. (var. macrocarpa, Hort.),is a large-fruited form. Var. abortiva, Kirchn. (var. apyrena, Koch), is a seedless form. Cent, and S. Eu. to the Caucasus, and also wild in England but probably not indigenous there. G. 4:363. It hybridizes with Crataegus (see Crataego - Mespilus, Vol. II, p. 878). The medlar is grown to a considerable extent in parts of Europe for its acid fruits, but in this country it is very little known. It is perfectly hardy in central New York, and its cultivation requires no special treatment or skill. It makes a twiggy tough-wooded bush or small tree, 10 to 15 feet high, bearing large white blossoms late in May or early in June, after the leaves are full size. The foliage is soft and luxuriant. The fruit (Fig. 2368) remains hard and austere until mellowed by frosts. With the freezing and the incipient decay, the fruit becomes brown and soft. It is usually picked after it is touched by frost and laid away on shelves or in drawers in a cool dry room; the ripening process which follows is known as bletting. When finally softened, it is agreeable for eating from the hand, particularly for those who enjoy fruit-acids. It also makes good preserves. Medlars are easily raised from seeds, although seeds (like those of Crataegus) may not germinate the first year. On these stocks the named varieties may be grafted or budded. Medlars may also be worked on pear, thorn (Crataegus) or quince. The Dutch or Hollandish and the Nottingham are the leading varieties. The fruit of the former is often 2 ½ inches in diameter. The latter is much smaller, but is better in quality. There is also a seedless variety, and two variegated forms. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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