Chaenomeles cathayensis

Chinese kwee / Chinese quince

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Edible plant part (2)

Flowers, fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Seeds

Chinese quince belongs to the small shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid and late species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 2 to 5 meter and a width of 2 to 5 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is half-open.
This species forms a shallow root system. This species is non spreading in the food forest.

Disclaimer: The types of cultivars and hybrids in this database have been carefully chosen for good quality properties for food forests. They do not mean instant success. Food forestry is still a young field in which it is a core value to have the right plant in the right place and to focus on great diversity.

foto: Evelyn Derksen

foto: Evelyn Derksen

foto: Evelyn Derksen

Growth factors

Frost (whole plant): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Frost (flowers): very strong frost

cold frost

mild frost

light frost

no frost
Light: full sun

light shade

half shade

fairly deep shade

deep shade
Wind: strong sea wind

strong wind

some wind

sheltered

very sheltered
Soil texture: sand

loam

light clay

heavy clay

peat
Soil moisture: inundation

wet

moist

dry

drought
Groundwater level: very low

low

medium

high

very high
Soil acidity: very acid

acid

slightly acid

neutral

alkaline
Soil fertility: very rich

rich

average

poor

very poor

Voorkeur

Ongeschikt

Flowering and pollination

Flowering period (peak): early march, early april, mid april, end of april
Flowering period (length): several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf)

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Main serious pests and diseases

none applicable

Harvest and Consumption

Flowers

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, elbow height, high, but within reach, knee height

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, elbow height, high, but within reach, knee height
Harvesting period - start: Early september, mid september, end of september, early october, mid october, end of october
Harvesting period - length: Several months
Harvesting period - uniformity: High
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Thorns: Few or small
Size edible parts: Small
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several months
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 12

Culinary appreciation

Can be used as a lemon substitute due to its acidity, and the juice can be extracted.

References