Docynia is a small genus of evergreen or semi-evergreen flowering trees in the rose family Rosaceae, order Rosales. The genus comprises just two accepted species — Docynia delavayi and Docynia indica — and is native to Southeast Asia, with its range centred on Myanmar, southwestern China (Yunnan), and adjacent parts of the Indian subcontinent. Like other members of the Rosaceae, Docynia trees bear a pome fruit, structurally similar to an apple or quince, though smaller. The genus was formally described by Joseph Decaisne in 1874. A third species, Malus doumeri, was once placed in Docynia on the basis of its superficial resemblance, but examination of the internal fruit anatomy showed it properly belongs to Malus. In its native range Docynia indica is sometimes cultivated locally, though neither species is widely grown outside the region.
Distribution
Docynia is endemic to Southeast Asia, with the genus native to Myanmar, where plants grow wild and are occasionally cultivated, as well as to adjoining regions including southwestern China and northeastern India.
Taxonomy Notes
The genus was described by Decaisne in 1874 (Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat. 10: 125, 131). Malus doumeri superficially resembles Docynia but was excluded on the basis of internal fruit structure matching Malus rather than Docynia. GBIF recognises two accepted species within the genus.
