The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Medlar

General Information

Mespilus germanica is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 6.00 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

The seeds contain the toxic hydrocyanic acid (the substance that gives almonds their flavour) and should not be eaten in quantity[].

Botanical References

,

Range

S.E. Europe to W. Asia. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.

Habitat

Woods and hedgerows[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils[], preferring one that is moist and well-drained[, , ]. Prefers a sunny position[, ] and a fertile soil[].
Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The fruit does not always ripen fully in cooler temperate zones such as Britain. However it can be harvested in late autumn (preferably after it has had some frost) whilst still hard and then needs to be bletted before it can be eaten raw. This entails storing it, stalk end upwards, in a cool place for a short while until it is on the point of (but not quite) rotting[], a state described as incipient decay. At this stage the flesh turns from white to brown, becomes very soft and is quite sweet with an absolutely delicious flavour that somewhat resembles a luscious tropical fruit[]. The fruit of the wild species is up to 25mm in diameter, though some cultivars can be 65mm or more in diameter[].

Medicinal

The pulp of the fruit is laxative[].
The leaves are astringent[].
The seed is lithontripic[]. It is ground up for use, but caution should be employed since the seeds contain the toxin hydrocyanic acid[].
The bark has been used as a substitute for quinine, but with uncertain results[].

Other Uses

Wood - hard, flexible[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in late autumn in a cold frame[]. The seed has a very hard and impermeable seedcoat and will not usually germinate until it has gone through two winters. Commercially, such seeds are soaked for a short while in sulphuric acid to break down the seed coat and allow the seed to take up moisture, this is a very delicate procedure and difficult to do on a small scale. A home gardener could try soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratifying it for 2 - 3 months at 1 - 5°c before sowing it. Alternatively, if you can harvest the seed green (as soon as it is mature but before the seed coat has dried and hardened), then sow it immediately in a cold frame you might reduce the time needed for it to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn in a cold frame. Poor percentage.
Layering in autumn or early spring. Takes 18 months[].