Chaenomeles (Flowering Quince, Japanese Quince, and Japonica) is a genus of deciduous spiny shrubs in the family Rosaceae, comprising three species. It is native to eastern Asia in Japan, China, and Korea.
Chaenomeles is usually grown as ornamental plant in a lawn, in shrub border, as hedges, or trained against a wall. All species bear colorful flowers, which may be single or double layers, and the flowers are followed by yellow-green or purple-green fruits.
Chaenomeles cathayensis is native to western China and bears the largest fruit among the three species. It is often grown as an ornamental tree and bonsai, and bears flowers that are pink to white color. The fruit, 10-15 cm long, 6-9 cm wide, is a pear-shaped pome, which is edible but tough when raw; and cooking soften the flesh. The fruits can be used in pies and to make jellies. It is also use as an herbal medicine to treat rheumatic pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Chaenomeles japonica (Maule's Quince or Japanese Quince) is a deciduous shrub native to Japan. It is well-known for its colorful spring flowers of red, white, pink and multicolored. The fruit is apple-shaped, golden-yellow in color, and containing red-brown seeds. The fruit is edible and is more known for making into pies and jellies than eaten raw. It is also popularly grown in bonsai.
Chaenomeles speciosa (Flowering Quince), 2.4 x 5 m, is a species native to eastern Asia. This species is vigorous and has spiny stems and bears scarlet flowers in spring, followed by green-yellow fruits. Several cultivars have been developed, among them are 'Nivalis' and 'Winter Snow' which have white flowers; ''Geisha Girl' has an unusual double, apricot-pink flowers; while 'Rubra Grandiflora' has large red flowers.
C. x superba (hybrid C. speciosa x C. japonica), 1.5 x 1.8 m, is a rounded shrub with spiny branches and mid-green leaves. In spring and summer, single flowers of pink, dark red, orange, or orange-red are borne, and followed by green fruits, which ripen to yellow. 'Crimson and Gold' bears lovely deep red flowers with glowing yellow stamens. 'Knap hill Scarlet' produces large, orange- scarlet flowers. 'Rowallane' is a low-growing cultivar with eye-catching scarlet flowers.
Chaenomeles grows best in sun or partial shade, and well-drained soil. Propagation is by semi-ripe cuttings in summer; layer in autumn. Pests and diseases are aphids, scale insects and canker.
Chaenomeles japonica http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chaenomeles_japonica_003.JPG H. Zell
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chaenomeles_japonica_003.JPG
H. Zell
