Docynia indica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Docynia indica is an evergreen Tree growing to 4 m (13ft 1in). 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 from September to November. 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): 4

Where it is found

Open places to elevations of 2000 metres in Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Slopes, streamsides and thickets at elevations of 2000--3000 metres in western China.

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit. The fully ripe fruit is edible. It is eaten when half ripe. The fruit is about 5cm in diameter.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - hard, close and even grained.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. This species is only hardy in the milder areas of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5 to -10°c. There is some doubt as to whether this species is distinct from D. delavayi. This 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

D. rufifolia. (Lévl.)Rehd. Malus docynioides. Pyrus rufifolia.