QUINCES

Cydonia oblonga

A mature quince tree showing its weeping habit. This is more pronounced when fruit is present. This handsome specimen was seen growing in a suburban garden in Melbourne

A cluster of round quince fruit of the Smyrna variety. This variety is common in Melbourne and often seen in front gardens

This oblong fruited variety of quince is less common

The lower fruit has been attacked by codling moth insect larvae. The fruit above has not been attacked

The quince has beautiful flowers and buds

Close up of a quince flower

Visiting old farm homesteads or abandoned properties, it is likely that you will find a quince tree. These super-tough fruit trees were valued in the past because of the long keeping properties and fragrance of fruit.

Extreme Survivor Of Heat And Cold

Left unattended quince trees develop into a shrubby mass of contorted woody stems and suckers, but they will grow in a wide range of soils even heavy waterlogged sites with poor drainage.

This ancient fruit derived from Iran and the Caspian regions has an important place in agriculture in the Middle East and southern Europe being such a tough plant able to survive extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter.

Unique Fruit For Hobby Farm

In modern times, quinces have been superseded by their more popular cousins - apples and pears, but the unique nature of this fruit still allows for a place in home gardens and on hobby farms.

Producing a downy yellowish fruit that is slightly acidic and immensely fragrant, quinces are an important fruit for confectionary, preserves and jams. The fruit keeps for long periods if handled carefully and not bruised, and makes an excellent stewed fruit. The golden yellow flesh is mealy and only just palatable fresh if very ripe.

Attractive Flower And Fruit

Quince trees produce most attractive white and pinkish flowers in spring and their value as an ornamental is now being appreciated due to its drought tolerance. Large hairy leaves produce a soft canopy of foliage adding to the appeal of this tree. Large yellowish fruits may also be round or oblong depending on the variety.

Susceptibility To Insect

The main weakness of this crop is its susceptibility to insect damage, and without care most fruit will be attacked by codling moth and light brown apple moth larvae. However, being a relatively dry fruit it is still edible as the affected areas can be removed and much of the fruit can be salvaged.

Quince In South Australia

The most common variety found in nurseries is Smyrna, however, collectors have a large range of little known varieties such as the pineapple quince which gives a very fruity scent. Should you come across an interesting specimen, cuttings will easily produce your own free plant.

Quince fruits always bring back the memory of a large healthy tree, weeping with its golden crop, in on our orchard in South Australia. Its large golden fruit would always provide a little cheer in late autumn, when little else was available.