Factsheet F40: Chaenomeles –- Oriental quinces

Chaenomeles comprises three species and several hybrids of deciduous shrubs and small trees originating in China and Japan and belonging to the family Rosaceae (which includes apples, pears etc). They all bear ornamental flowers in spring (hence one of their common names, flowering quinces) followed by large aromatic fruits which are cooked and eaten. The oriental quinces are sometimes confused with true quince (Cydonia oblonga), with which they are closely related, and Chinese quince (Pseudocydonia sinensis).