Chinese quince, Cathay quince
Chaenomeles cathayensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree or large sparsely branched evergreen shrub. It can be 6 m high but is often only 3 m high. It has spiny branches. The leaves are shiny and mid-green. They are sword shaped and have teeth along the edge. The leaves are often red and velvety underneath. The flowers are often in clusters of 2 or 3. They are white with a pink flush. The fruit are green and have a scent. They are 15 cm long. They turn yellow as they ripen.

There are about 3 Chaenomeles species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is best in well-composted, well-drained moist soils. It is resistant to frost and drought. It does best in a warm climate to help ripen the fruit. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The fruit can be used for jelly. They can also be stewed or preserved.

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. Plants take 3-5 years before they are large enough to plant out. Plants can also be grown from cuttings. Larger cuttings over 20 cm long root more easily. Plants can be grafted.

A fruit can weigh 200 g.

Its other names

Local names

Chinsaw-ga, Mawau, Tong-ju-bha-bu

Synonyms

Cydonia cathayensis (Hemsl.) Hemsl.; Pyrus cathayensis Hemsl.; and others