PLANT

The Japan medlar (Eriobotrya japonica) is a plant belonging to the family of Rosaceae. It is cultivated commercially for its fruit, and also as an ornamental. It should not be confused with the medlar or Germanica, the oldest cultivated in Europe, which is instead the fruit of another rosacea, the European medlar (Crataegus germanica).

FRUIT

The fruits of the Japan medlar are a knobs (so botanically they are considered false fruits) light yellowish, yellow or orange in colour, and are immediately edible. They contain one to four large seeds which are by weight a considerable part of the fruit. Ripening takes place in May-June, while flowering occurs in December-January.

CULTIVATION

An evergreen plant, the leaf persists on the plant even during the winter period, which is why it is also used as an ornamental plant.

Grown in full sun.