Cydonia
(from Kydon, in Crete, where the tree grew in large numbers, and where, perhaps, the Greeks first became acquainted with it). Quince. ORD. Rosaceae. Hardy deciduous trees and shrubs. Flowers large, either solitary, or few together in a kind of umbel. Pome closed, five-celled; cells cartilaginous, many-seeded; seed covered with mucilaginous pulp. Leaves undivided, quite entire, or serrated. For culture, &c., see Quince. C. chinensis (Chinese). fl. light rose-colour; calyx five-parted, reflexed, downy inside. Spring. l. stalked, coriaceous, oval, finely serrated. China. Small tree or large shrub. (B. R. 905.) C. japonica (Japanese).* fl. deep scarlet, solitary, or two or three together, produced the greater part of the year; calyx glabrous; lobes short, obtuse, entire. fr. green, very fragrant, but not edible, ripening in October. l. oval. somewhat cuneated, crenate-serrated, quite glabrous on both surfaces; stipules reniform, serrated. h. 5ft. to 6ft. Japan, 1815. "One of the most desirable deciduous shrubs in cultivation, whether as a bush in the open lawn, trained against a wall, or treated as an ornamental hedge plant. It has also been trained up with a single stem as a standard; and, in this character, its pendent branches and numerous flowers give it a rich and striking appearance, especially in early spring. It is difficult to unite with its congeners by grafting; but, if it could be grafted standard high on the Pear, the Hawthorn, or even the common Quince, it would form a most delightful little tree. Readily propagated by layers or suckers, and it also grows by cuttings." There are many varieties, including a white, as well as a double red-flowered form. C. Maulei (Maule's).* fl. bright red. April. fr. golden-yellow, produced in great abundance, agreeably perfumed, but exceedingly acid to the taste; it, however, makes an excellent conserve. l. somewhat smaller than those of C. japonica, and plant dwarfer and more compact in habit. Japan, 1874. One of the most beautiful of recently introduced shrubs. SYN. Pyrus Maulei. (B. M. 6780.) C. vulgaris (common). Common Quince. fl. white or pale red, large, few, disposed in a kind of umbel. May or June. fr. varying in shape in different varieties, glandular, oblong, ovate, or obovate; it has a peculiar and rather pleasant apple-like smell, and an austere taste. l. ovate, blunt at the base, quite entire, clothed with white tomentum beneath, as well as the calyces and pedicels. h. 20ft. South Europe, 1573. (Enc. T. and S. 450.) See also Quince. C. v. lusitanica (Portuguese). Portugal Quince. This has broader leaves and larger fruit than the two under-mentioned kinds; and, being of more vigorous growth, it is better adapted for use as a stock for Pears. C. v. maliformis (apple-shaped). fr. apple-shaped.
C. v. pyriformis (pear-shaped). fr. pear-shaped.