Common Name: Dwarf Quince

General Information

Chaenomeles japonica is a deciduous shrub with spreading branches and slender thorns; it can grow up to 100cm tall, and usually rather wider[, ]. Plants usually sucker freely and can form thickets[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for use as a food and a medicine. It is sold in local markets. It is sometimes cultivated for its fruit, and is commonly grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its showy flowers in the spring and suitable for use as a ground cover[, ].

Known Hazards

Although no specific information has been seen, the seed is likely to contain cyanogenic glycosides. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- sweet almonds, for example, contain only very low levels of it and are safe to eat in quantity, whilst bitter almonds (which are used as a flavouring in foods such as marzipan) contain much higher levels and should only be eaten in very small quantities. Great caution should be employed if the taste is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia -central and southern Japan

Habitat

Woods in low mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Chaenomeles japonica is very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c when dormant[]. It is more tolerant of cooler summers than most other members of the genus and will usually fruit well even in maritime climates[].
Easily cultivated in any reasonably good soil[]. Prefers a deep moist well-drained loam[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates full shade but requires a sunny position for best fruit production[, , ]. Becomes chlorotic on very alkaline soils[]. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[].
A very ornamental plant[].
Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible fruit[].
This species is closely allied to Chaenomeles speciosa[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , , ]. Very hard and acid raw but fragrant when cooked, imparting a strong pleasant flavour to jams and jellies[, ], it is especially good cooked with apples in apple pies[]. The yellow, subglobose fruit is about 30 - 40mm in diameter[, ].
The rich aromatic juice, as tart as a lemon, is squeezed and used for culinary purposes[].

Medicinal

Mugua is a Chinese traditional medicine derived from the fruits of Chaenomeles species. Whilst Chaenomeles speciosa is the species most commonly mentioned in the literature for its medicinal properties, in practice the fruits of all species in the genus are used interchangeably. Modern research has supported this and, indeed, shown that some of the other species actually have higher antioxidant value[].
The fruit is analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive and hypoglycaemic[, , ]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including nausea, joint pains, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, asthma, common cold, cholera and associated cramps[, , , ].
The fruit contains polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes and proanthocyanidins which have been shown to have a strong antioxidant activity[]. Antioxidant compounds such as these have been shown to protect against
cardiovascular diseases and also exhibit anti-tumour, antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and anti-inflammatory effects[]

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants sucker freely and can be used as a ground cover. The form Chaenomeles japonica alpina grows to about half the size of the species, it is especially suitable and can be planted about 1 metre apart each way[].
'Pygmaeus' is an even smaller cultivar, it typically grows 15 - 30cm tall and spreads to about 75cm wide[].
A good bee plant, flowering early in the year and providing pollen and nectar[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sheltered position outdoors or in a cold frame[]. Sow stored seed in late winter in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 6 weeks[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If well grown, these seedling can be large enough to plant out in the summer, but give them some protection in their first winter. Otherwise plant them out in late spring of the following year[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Easy[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, late autumn in a cold frame.
Layering in late spring or in autumn. This is a sure and easy method, though it takes 12 months[, ].
Division of suckers in late winter[]. They can be planted out straight into their permanent positions.