Japanese Quince, Flowering quince

Chaenomeles speciosa

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Basic Information

Family: Rosaceae

Genus: chaenomeles

Plant ID (slug): chaenomeles-speciosa

Numeric ID: 22688

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Chaenomeles speciosa is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from February to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - China. An occasional garden escape in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover; Hedge; South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - cooked[3, 4, 177]. Very harsh and acid raw but fragrant when cooked[1, 11]. Used for jams, jellies etc and as a flavouring with cooked apples[183, K]. The fruit can be apple or pear-shaped and up to 6.5cm long x 6.5cm wide[200].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiemetic Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Astringent Cholera Digestive The fruit is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent and digestive[147, 218, 238]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of nausea, joint pains, cholera and associated cramps[147, 218, 238].