Mespilus
(from the old Greek name Mespilos, used by Theophrastus). Medlar. ORD. Rosaceae. A small genus of hardy deciduous trees, now included, by Bentham and Hooker, under Pyrus. Flowers large, nearly sessile usually solitary; petals nearly orbicular. Pome turbinate, open, five-celled. Leaves undivided, shortly stalked, lanceolate or oblong, slightly toothed or lobed. For culture, &c., see Medlar.
M. acuminata (acuminate). A synonym of Cotoneaster acuminata. M. Amelanchier (Amelanchier). A synonym of Amelanchier vulgaris. Frequently met with in gardens under the name of Snowy Mespilus. M. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster). A synonym of Cotoneaster vulgaris. M. germanica (German).* Common Medlar. fl. white, solitary. May. l. lanceolate, undivided, a little downy, but most so underneath. h. 10ft. to 20ft. Europe (Britain), Asia Minor, Persia. (Sy. En. B. 478.) There are several varieties of this species. See Medlar.
M. grandiflora (large-flowered). A synonym of M. Smithii. M. parvifolia (small-leaved). A synonym of Crataegus parvifolia. M. Smithii (Smith's).* fl. white, usually solitary, one-half the size of those of the common Medlar. May and June. l. oblong-elliptic, serrated, pubescent on the nerves beneath; stipules of the sterile branches large and foliaceous. h. 20ft. Caucasus. SYN. M. grandiflora (S. E. B. 18).