Mespilus germanica

Medlar is a less known fruit tree from S.W.Asia. It is a small tree or a large deciduous shrub whose close relative is loquat, a less hardy species of the same genus. So if you are looking for a tree with similar foliage but hardier try this one.

The mid green leaves are stiff, partly glossy, oblong-oval, and turn bronze-red and golden yellow in autumn. From mid spring until early summer it bears typically apple-like, white to pink-tinged flowers that are up to 5 cm across. They are self-fertile.

Flowers are followed by almost spherical orange-brown fruit in autumn that take quite some time to ripen well. The fruit is edible only after the first frosts and we recommend leaving it on the tree for a couple of weeks longer when they achieve really delicious, sweet taste. The flesh is soft and juicy, the skin is firm, a little bitter if eaten too early.

The tree has rounded crown. Medlar is not fussy about soil type provided it is well drained. It thrives in semi-fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline, moist soil in full sun where it grows at its natural speed and requires no pruning. Fully hardy to abt. -29°C (USDA zone 5), perhaps a bit more.

Last update 05-01-2010.