Docynia delavayi

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Docynia delavayi is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Riversides in valleys, mixed forests and mountainous areas at elevations of 1000 - 3000 metres in W Guizhou, W Sichuan and NW Yunnan Provinces.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw, cooked or used in preserves. When ripe it is like an apple. The fruit is about 4cm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The fruits of this plant are used to promote the ripening of persimmons, Diospyros kaki. The fruits of each species are placed in alternate layers in a large container, they are then covered with rice husks and in 10 hours the persimmons are ready for eating.

Fruit ripening: Substances that promote the premature or rapid ripening of fruits.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. This species is only hardy in the milder areas of Britain, it succeeds outdoors at Wisley just west of London. The genus is closely related to the quince, Cydonia oblonga.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pyrus delavayi.