| Mespilus germanica | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage and fruit | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Mespilus |
| Species: | M. germanica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Mespilus germanica | |
Mespilus germanica, known as the medlar or common medlar, is a large shrub or small tree in the rose family Rosaceae. The fruit of this tree, also called medlar, has been cultivated since Roman times, is usually available in winter and eaten when bletted.[2] It may be eaten raw and in a range of cooked dishes.
When the genus Mespilus is included in the genus Crataegus, the correct name for this species is Crataegus germanica (L.) Kuntze. In the southwest of England it historically had a number of vulgar nicknames, such as open-arse and monkey's bottom, due to the appearance of its large calyx.[3]
- ^ Petrova, A.; Barstow, M. (2017). "Mespilus germanica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T79920045A109616278. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T79920045A109616278.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Gorvett, Zaria (25 March 2021). "The forgotten medieval fruit with a vulgar name". BBC News Online. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
- ^ MacMillan, Alexander Stuart (1922). Popular Names of Flowers, Fruits, &C: As Used in the County of Somerset and the Adjacent Parts of Devon, Dorset and Wilts. United Kingdom: Forgotten Books. p. 209. ISBN 1-332-98501-7. OCLC 978686284.