# @ahs_gardening on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DSpsPtmkqB9
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/55035527-ahs-gardening-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/a054e0eaa3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-12-24T15:35:44.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Horticultural Society | American Gardener Magazine (@ahs_gardening) — https://gondola.cc/ahs_gardening

## Caption

This showy fruit tree will grab your attention in our November/December issue—it grabbed ours enough to earn it a spot on the cover! ⁠
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⚔️ The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is an ancient tree that inspired curiosity across Europe in the Middle Ages for its unique-looking fruit and delectable taste. But what gives it such a distinct look? Its supersized calyx causes it to flare out at the end, and its peculiarity lent itself to being depicted in illuminated religious manuscripts and in Dutch still-life's of fruit arrangements. The appearance of this fruit has also earned it a couple of interesting nicknames... ⁠
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🌳 Medlars are low maintenance, requiring little watering and pruning. They are long-lived, self-fertile, and produce an edible fruit that is also ornamental—a gardener's dream! These trees can read a height of 15 to 20 feet after 20 years, and is great for a small yard or modest-sized garden. ⁠
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🫐 We’re going to take a gamble and guess that you’ve never seen a medlar at a supermarket before. So why not have this unique fruit in your very own backyard? After a couple of chilly November nights, you can enjoy your medlars straight from the branch. The skin pierces easily with your fingers; the five seeds slip free, and the pulp has the texture of applesauce—some say it tastes like cinnamon; others say berry. ⁠
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To learn more about this late-autumn star, check out “Open-Arse Fruit” by Allyson Levy in our November/December issue at ahsgardening.org⁠
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Not a member yet? Join us at ahsgardening.org/join to become a member and get the magazine delivered right to your door. ⁠
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Writer: Allyson Levy ⁠allysonlevyartist⁠
Photographers: Steve Hamilton, iStock, Allyson Levy ⁠
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#medlartree #gardening #AmericanGardener #horticulture #winterfruit

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## Tags

gardening, horticulture, winterfruit, medlartree, americangardener

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