Mespilus Germanica (Medlar)

Species	:	Mespilus Germanica
Common Name(s)	:	Medlar
Tree Features	:	Edible Fruit
Genus	:	Mespilus
Seasons of Interest	:	Summer Interest
Shape	:	Rounded
Mature Size	:	Small (under 10m)
Tree Type	:	Deciduous Broad Leaf
Tree uses	:	Garden

The Medlar has been in cultivation since early times, having been grown in the Emperor Charlemagne's garden. The small brown fruits it produces are only edible when 'bletted' or left to turn half-rotten.

The Medlar has been in cultivation since early times, having been grown in the Emperor Charlemagne’s garden.

The small brown fruits it produces are only edible when “bletted” or left to turn half-rotten.

A small, gnarled, wide spreading tree which is at home in the garden, where it produces a rounded form.

It has large, hairy leaves, which turn a russet brown in autumn, and large, white flowers borne in May and June.

There are some particularly interesting specimens in the Kitchen Garden at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire that are mushroom shaped and well worth a visit in the summer.

Mature height: 5-10m

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