Mespilus Germanica

Mespilus germanica, known as the common medlar is a large shrub or small tree, and the name of the fruit of this tree. Despite its Latin name, which means German or Germanic medlar, it is indigenous to southwest Asia and also southeastern Europe, mostly the Black Sea coasts of modern Turkey. It may have been cultivated for as long as 3000 years.

Until recently, Mespilus germanica was the only known species of medlar. However, in 1990 a new species was discovered in North America, now named Mespilus canescens. The Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica, is also related, and sometimes called the "Japanese medlar".

Mespilus germanica requires warm summers and mild winters and prefers sunny, dry locations and slightly acidic soil. Under ideal circumstances, the deciduous plant grows up to 8 metres (26 ft) tall. Generally, it is shorter and more shrub-like than tree-like. With a lifespan of 30–50 years, M. germanica is rather short-lived. M. germanica leaves are dark green and elliptic, 8–15 centimetres (3.1–5.9 in) long and 3–4 centimetres (1.2–1.6 in) wide. The leaves turn red in autumn before falling.

The five-petaled white flowers, produced in late spring, are hermaphrodite and pollinated by bees. The reddish-brown fruit is a pome, 2–3 centimetres (0.79–1.2 in) diameter, with wide-spreading persistent sepals giving a 'hollow' appearance to the fruit.

Mespilus germanica fruit are very hard and acidic. They become edible after being softened, 'bletted', by frost, or naturally in storage given sufficient time. Once softening begins the skin rapidly takes a wrinkled texture and turns dark brown, and the inside reduces to the consistency and flavour reminiscent of apple sauce. This process can be a cause of confusion to new medlar consumers, as a softened fruit can give the appearance that it has spoiled.