Medlar (Mespilus) is a genus of hidden seeds from the
rose family (Rosaceae), related to hawthorn. It includes two types of woody plants. The
fruit ripens late and remains edible all winter, even if it is not harvested from the tree. It blooms in early May, the flowers are white and large. The fruit is sweet and tasty, but the
shell is not eaten, but only the contents (which are mushy). The seed is large.