Mespilus germanica Seeds | Medlar
LATIN NAME: Mespilus germanica
COMMON NAME: Medlar
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a handsome, upright, spreading, deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to old orchards and woodlands of the south-eastern Europe and the western Asia, while it is grown as a treasured fruit tree. In rose family it is old, brown-fruited tree of orchard, a fruit that has been waiting on winter shelf of gardens of Europe since the Roman days. In good conditions it grows to around Six metres. The blooms are worked steadily by bees for as long as they are open. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the rose family, Mespilus germanica is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Medlar holds a place in old-fruit papers of Europe, where round or pear-shaped, brownish fruits are studied as a treasured fruit of old orchards, and food scientists have looked at fine jellies and preserves of the region. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Medlar for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In old orchard, medlar is brown-fruited tree of winter shelf. Its white, five-petalled flowers feed bees, its brownish fruits feed birds, and spreading, leafy growth gives garden cover and shelter. Fruits are used in fine jellies and preserves of old orchards, and tree grows well in moist, well-drained ground of open, sunny spot. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Medlar is the medieval fruit eaten bletted, soft and spiced like apple butter; it is a charming heritage orchard tree.
Growing from Seed
Medlar is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Once established, Medlar largely looks after itself. Its wants are few — a sunny spot, soil that drains, and time to settle in.
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