Quince
Family Rosaceae
Cydonia vulgaris, the quince (Cy. vulgaris 1), is a small tree, up to 6-7 m high, with simple round-oval leaves, woolly beneath, and solitary white or pink pentamerous flowers with numerous stamens. The fruit resembles the pear (Cy. vulgaris 2), but is hard and acid.
Distribution and use
The quince is probably a native of western Asia and was known to the ancient Romans. In the Middle Ages the quince was used medicinally to cure throat problems and as a purgative. Today the quince is grown in the temperate regions for the fruits, which are cooked with sugar to make jams and jellies. It is also used as a rootstock for pears.