Mespilus germanica

Mispel / Medlar

Rosaceae (Rozenfamilie)

Asia (whole), Europe (whole), Europe (south)

Back View cultivars and rootstocks

Edible plant part (1)

Fruits
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods

Toxic plant part (1)

Seeds

Medlar belongs to the small trees-large shrubs in the food forest. In the process of ecological succession it is a mid species. The growth rate is medium. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 2 to 6 meter and a width of 2 to 6 meter.
The foliage (or leaf cover) is dense. The Medlar is decidious. It buds in april.
This species forms a deep root system. This species is slightly 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: Stefano, https://www.flickr.com/photos/81918877@N00/26316810270

foto: Stefano, https://www.flickr.com/photos/81918877@N00/26316810270

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 may, mid may
Flowering period (length): month, several weeks
Pollination vector: insects
Plant reproductive fertility: self-fertile (sf)

Life Span and Plant Health

Disease susceptibility

very resistant

Harvest and Consumption

Fruits

Harvest location edible part: Above reach, high, but within reach
Harvesting period - start: Early november, mid november, end of november
Harvesting period - length: Month
Harvesting period - uniformity: Medium
Suitable harvesting methods: Hand
Form of consumption: Fresh, processed
Natural storability: Several weeks
Suitable markets: Niche
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 2
Productive life span - start (year) - minimum: 3
Productive life span - start (year) - maximum: 3
Productive life span - peak (year) - minimum: 30
Productive life span - end (year) - maximum: 100
Productivity - start (kg) - minimum: 10
Productivity - start (kg) - maximum: 20

Culinary appreciation

Must be bletted to become enjoyable, turning soft with a mushy texture. When ripe, they taste like applesauce with cinnamon, though the flavor can be cloying. Unique in taste.

References