Medlar
Family Rosaceae
Mespilus germanica, the medlar (M. germanica 1), is a spreading small tree, up to 6 m high, with simple entire leaves and creamy white flowers borne at the end of young shoots. The pentamerous flowers (M. germanica 2) have numerous stamens, and the carpels are exposed in a cup of the receptacle. The medlar is a false fruit (M. germanica 3) developed from the receptacle, with 5 conspicuous calyx lobes at the top.
Distribution and use
The medlar grows wild in Europe and was in former days very popular in Central Europe. The brown fruit does not become palatable until it is partly rotten. It then becomes soft with a pleasant spicy taste and makes pleasant jam and compote.