Stern’s medlar
Quick Summary
Stern's medlar (M. canescens) is a critically endangered deciduous tree or shrub discovered in Arkansas in 1990. It can grow to 4.5–6 meters (15–20 feet) tall and produces showy white flowers and edible red fruits that require bletting (softening) before consumption. Only about 25 individuals of Stern's medlar exist in their natural habitat.1
The common medlar (M. germanica) is a related species native to Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a small, thorny tree known for its edible fruit, which also needs to be bletted. The fruit is brown and globular with persistent sepals, and the flowers are white or pink-tinged. Medlars are part of the rose family, Rosaceae.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
