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Overview
Chinese quince typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.
Its dense, twiggy growth habit and attractive, gnarled branches provide visual interest throughout the year, especially in the winter when the branches are bare.
In spring, it produces showy, pink or white flowers, which are followed by fragrant, yellowish-green fruits resembling quinces.
The fruits are edible but are generally too astringent to be eaten fresh; however, they can be used for making jams, jellies, and preserves.
The fruit is very large, up to 18cm long
Soil: They grow best in a deep, fertile, moisture-retentive soil. They prefer some dampness in summer, but dislike waterlogging in winter.
It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy loam, and clay, as long as they are well-draining.
Maintenance: Chinese quince requires minimal maintenance once established.
Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Diseases: Chinese quince is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but may occasionally be affected by aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew.
Invasiveness: Chinese quince is not considered invasive.
Toxicity: The seeds and foliage of Chinese quince contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested in large quantities.
While the fruits are edible when cooked, caution should be exercised, and they should not be consumed raw.
Other Species: The genus Pseudocydonia contains only one other species, Pseudocydonia yunnanensis, which is native to Yunnan, China.
The tree is closely related to the east Asian genus Chaenomeles, and is sometimes placed as Chaenomeles sinensis but lacks thorns and has single, rather than clustered, flowers.
Comments: Fruit can be eaten candied, preserved in syrup or made into a liqueur.
The juice can also be mixed with ginger and made into a tasty drink.
The fruits are quite aromatic and when placed in a bowl they will exude a wonderfully spicy scent.
Its branches with gnarled bark and interesting form are popular for use in floral arrangements and crafts. In traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of the plant have been used for their medicinal properties, including treating digestive disorders and respiratory ailments.
Author: Bob Saunders.