Unusual or exotic trees – The Medlar (Mespilus germanica).
by Lewis, 22 October, 2016, 5 comments
The (common) medlar tree, Mespilus germanica, has its origins in the Balkan Peninsula, the Caucasus, Crimea and Northern Iran. In these areas, it has been cultivated for its fruit for thousands of years. Later, it was introduced to Greece and Italy and was an important fruit through to mediaeval times - when it was 'replaced' by other fruits. According to W J Bean*, it may be found 'wild' in woodland in several counties of south east England; but it is not native / indigenous. Until recently, the common medlar was the only medlar known but another Mespilus species has been identified in North America - Stern's Medlar (Mespilus canescens). The Medlar tree is a member of the Rose family - the Rosaceae, and is related to genera such as Crataegus (Hawthorns) and Amalanchier (Snowy Mespilus). Read more...
