Chinese Quince

Chaenomeles cathayensis

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: chaenomeles

Plant ID (slug): chaenomeles-cathayensis

Numeric ID: 24617

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Chaenomeles cathayensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - very harsh raw but fragrant when cooked[1, 3, 4, 11, 177]. It makes an excellent jelly[183] and a very good jam, it is especially good cooked with apples in apple pies[K]. The fruit is very large and can be 15cm long and 9cm wide[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antiemetic Antirheumatic Antispasmodic Digestive The fruit is antiemetic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic and digestive[176]. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic pain, convulsions of the calf muscles, vomiting, dyspepsia and diarrhoea[176].