Medlar - Mespilus germanica 'Mesten' - €15 per plant - 3rd year grafted  cultivar 1 - 1.5 m tall

Medlars are ornamental, flowering trees with pretty white blossom, good autumn colours and fruits which are edible, and deliciously unusual!   It is thought that the Medlar  had been first cultivated over 3000 years ago, yet it is an unusual tree to find in gardens generally.   This is a real shame as the fruit is ready in the winter time, providing a luscious fresh snack when little else is available. The fruit should be eaten after the first frost when over-ripe, and can also be used very successfully in desserts.  A perfect candidate for the outer edge of a woodland garden. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: S.E. Europe to W. Asia. 
  • native habitat: Woods and hedgerows
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • No significant problems

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6a - 9b
  • Prefers moist  soil
  • Can tolerates moderate winds but not maritime exposure.

Polyculture Potential  

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Known hazards 

  • ​​The seeds contain the toxic hydrocyanic acid and should not be eaten in quantity

Overview

  • Deciduous tree growing to 6m x 6m​.
  • It is in flower in May -June, and the seeds ripen in November. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers moist soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline).
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or full sun. It prefers moist, well drained soil. 
  • The plant can tolerate moderate winds

Characteristics

  • form: small sized tree
  • layer : Lower Canopy
  • habit: Standard Tree
  • Size: 6m x 6m 

Products 

  • Fruit: Delicious late autumn/winter freshness. Should be bletted before eating. The flesh turns from white to brown, becomes very soft and is quite sweet resembling a luscious tropical fruit with the texture of a banana!
  • Flowers: The flowers are white and bloom in mid spring
  • In Iran, the fruits, leaves, bark and wood of the tree have been used as medicines for various ailments.​ 

Functions, behaviours

  • Medlars tolerate most soils, unless very chalky or not well drained, but are happiest  in fertile and well-drained soil.
  • Trees are most comfortable if planted in a sunny and sheltered position but also do well in partial shade.
  • Water well during dry summers, especially during the first few years of establishment.
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project