Medlar

Medlar (Mespilus), a genus of trees or shrubs of the natural order Rosaceæ, sub-order Pomeæ, having a 5-cleft calyx with leafy segments, nearly round petals, a large honey-secreting disc, and 2-5 styles, united together in the flower, but widely separated on the fruit, the upper ends of the bony cells of which are exposed. The Common Medlar (M. germanica), a small tree, spiny in a wild state, but destitute of spines in cultivation, is a native of the south of Europe and of the temperate parts of Asia, but is a doubtful native of Britain, although it is to be seen in hedges and thickets in the southern parts of England. It has lanceolate, undivided leaves, solitary large white flowers at the end of small spurs, and globular or pear-shaped fruit. The medlar is much cultivated in some parts of Europe, and is common in gardens in England, but it does not generally ripen well in Scotland without a wall. It is very austere, but when bletted, or its tough pulp has become soft and vinous by incipient decay, it is relished by many.