Mespilus germanica, the Medlar, has been cultivated since Roman times, and possibly as long as 3000 years. It grows into a large deciduous shrub
or small tree and is an attractive and interesting addition to any garden or orchard. While not festooned in bloom, the white flowers are large and attractive set against the fresh new season's foliage.
The fruit is reasonably resistant to bird attack and can be quite abundant even on young trees. The fruit is eaten raw, but it must be very ripe, i.e. bletted. It tastes delicious but it might be best not to look as the bletted flesh, like a brown puree, is squeezed from the fruit - it can be a little off-putting!
