Mediterranean medlar
It suits warm temperate areas. When young it needs a well drained moisture retaining soil but once established can grow in very wet soils and survive drought. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 400-1,200 mm. It can grow on chalky soils but also heavy clays. Sun is required for good fruit production. It can grow in arid places. Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Also known as:
Alic, Azarole, Eastern hawthorns, Gijok, Givij, Gizran, Goezh, Guhij, Medlar, Mosphilia, Muzmuldek, Neapolitan medlar, Spanish pine, Tafirez, Tazarourt, Tefifiha, Za'rur, Zaaroura, Zinebit
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Flower buds, Leaves
Where does Mediterranean medlar grow?
Found in: Africa, Algeria, Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Caucasus, Central Asia, Crete, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, North Africa, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia
Notes: There are 200 or more Crataegus species.
Status: It is cultivated in Mediterranean climates for its fruit.
Growing Mediterranean medlar
Cultivation: Seed can be used. Seed are slow and irregular germinating. They can take 4 years to germinate. Fresh seed is best but if seed is stored it should be warm stratified at 15°C for 3 months then cold stratified at 4°C for three months. It can still take 18 months to germinate. They should be transplanted before 2 years. Plants can be grafted onto common hawthorn stock.
Edible Uses: The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and used in pies and preserves. They can be dried. They are used for jam. They can be used for marmalade and wines. The flowers can be used in liqueurs. The young buds and leaves are used in salads.
Production: Seedling trees take 5-8 years before bearing fruit. Grafted trees bear well in the third year. Fruit is sweeter in warmer climates.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit | - | - | 4.6 | 1.4 | 9.9 | 0.2 |
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