Chinese quince, Oriental quince, Karin
Pseudocydonia sinensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 6-10 m high and spreads 3 m wide. It can lose its leaves during the year. The bark is dappled. The leaves are smaller than common quince. The leaves are brownish and woolly underneath. They become coloured in autumn. The flowers are reddish-pink. The fruit is oval and 18 cm long. It has a sweet smell.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It does best in full sun. It can grow in light shade. It suits continental climates with long hot summers. It will grow in fairly poor soils. It can grow in a range of pH values from acid to alkaline. The soil should be moist but not water-logged. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Korea, Mexico, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten cooked. They are also candied, preserved in syrup or made into a liqueur. The juice is mixed with ginger and used as a drink. Caution: The seeds should not be eaten in large amounts.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. They are also grafted.

Because they are self fertile, one tree can produce fruit. The fruit can weigh 1- 4.5 kg.

Its other names

Local names

Membrillo chino

Synonyms

Chaenomeles sinensis; Cydonia sinensis; Malus sinensis;