Flowering quince, Japonica, Japanese quince, Dwarf quince, Riben Mugua, Maule's quince
Chaenomeles japonica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has many stems. It grows 90-150 cm high. It loses its leaves during the year. It is a straggling plant. It has horizontal, spreading, thorny branches. The leaves are alternate and long and pointed. They have fine teeth around the edge. The flowers are 3.5 cm across. They are orange or red. The fruit are small and round. They are yellow and have a pleasant scent. They become sticky when ripe.

There are about 3 Chaenomeles species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. They are frost hardy. They will grow in most types of soil. It can tolerate drought. It is best in rich, well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Finland, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Lithuania, Scandinavia, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The skin of the fruit can be used for jams and jellies. The fruit can be used to add flavour to pies. The juice is used for flavouring. They can be crushed and fermented to make wine.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from cuttings or suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Chaenomeles japonica var. alpina Maxim.; Chaenomeles maulei (Mast.) Lavallee; Cydonia japonica (Thunb.) Pers.; Cydonia lagenaria Loisel., nom. illeg.; Pyrus japonica Thunb.; Pyrus maulei Mast.;