Chinese Quince
Chaenomeles cathayensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Chaenomeles cathayensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Scrub and hedges in W. Hubei. Slopes, forest margins and roadsides at elevations of 900 - 2500 metres.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China*, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - very harsh raw but fragrant when cooked. It makes an excellent jelly and a very good jam, it is especially good cooked with apples in apple pies. The fruit is very large and can be 15cm long and 9cm wide.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The fruit is antiemetic, antirheumatic, antispasmodic and digestive. It is used in the treatment of rheumatic pain, convulsions of the calf muscles, vomiting, dyspepsia and diarrhoea.

Antiemetic: Prevents vomiting.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Other

Rating: 0

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

Easily cultivated in any reasonably good soil. Prefers a deep moist well-drained loam. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates full shade but requires a sunny position for best fruit production. Becomes chlorotic on very alkaline soils. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -25°c. Plants are subject to canker, especially when growing in the milder moister areas of Britain. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Fruits are usually freely produced in Britain, but they do not always ripen. The plant grows and fruits well on a south wall at Kew. A good bee plant, flowering early in the year and providing pollen and nectar. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out .

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in February in a greenhouse. Germination usually takes place within 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If well grown, these seedling can be large enough to plant out in the summer, but give them some protection in their first winter. Otherwise plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, November in a cold frame. Layering in late spring or in autumn. This is a sure and easy method, though it takes 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Chinsaw-ga, Mawau,

Synonyms

C. laganaria cathayensis. Cydonia cathayensis. Hemsl.