MSN: How to grow medlar trees – to enjoy a harvest of unusual fruits from this forgotten heritage species Cultivated since Roman times, medlar trees, or Mespilus germanica, are today a rare sight. Yet, this low-maintenance heritage fruit tree has much to offer and is surprisingly easy to grow. I once ...

Understanding the Context

How to grow medlar trees – to enjoy a harvest of unusual fruits from this forgotten heritage species Medlar is a slow-growing tree that can live for many years (sometimes centuries), rarely exceeding 20 feet in height. Its twisty, gnarled shape and plated bark make it a picturesque specimen plant — with flowers, fall-foliage and fruit to offer special seasonal interest. The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is an ancient fruit tree native to the Mediterranean, Turkey, Iran, and the Caucasus region. Known for its unique and distinct fruit, the medlar has a long history in both culinary and ornamental uses.

Key Insights

Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a late-season specialty fruit that has nearly vanished from our tables during the winter holidays. Although medlar is of ancient origin, it is still grown by gardening enthusiasts. Medlar fruit grows on small trees or shrubs and is related to pear and hawthorn. The common medlar (M. germanica) is a small, much-branched, deciduous, spinous tree known for its edible fruits.

Final Thoughts

The plant is native to Europe, from the Netherlands southward, and to southwestern Asia. The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a large shrub or tree that produces fruits in the late fall and early winter. It’s a member of the rose family, which makes sense because the fruits are reminiscent of large rose hips. Mespilus germanica, known as the medlar or common medlar, is a large shrub or small tree in the rose family Rosaceae. When the genus Mespilus is included in the genus Crataegus, the correct name for this species is Crataegus germanica (L.) Kuntze. The medlar fruit is a pome (after the Latin word for fruit: pōmum), the type of fruit produced by flowering plants in the subfamily Maloideae of the family Rosaceae.

What Is a Medlar Fruit (Musmula) and Where Do They Come From? The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a small, round fruit that belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes apples, pears, and quinces. It has been cultivated since Roman times and was once a common fruit in Europe, particularly in England and parts of the Mediterranean. Medlar fruit is hailed for its various health benefits.