Cydonia oblonga aka Quince

The quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a unique and beautiful fruit tree belonging to the genus Cydonia in the Malinae subtribe of the Rosaceae family. This deciduous tree produces aromatic bright golden-yellow pome fruits that closely resemble pears. When ripe, these fruits are hard, tart, and astringent, making them unsuitable for raw consumption. However, they are commonly processed into delicious marmalades, jams, pastes (known as quince cheese), and even alcoholic beverages. In addition to its culinary uses, the quince tree is also cultivated for its ornamental qualities. Its pale pink blossoms are visually appealing and add a touch of beauty to any landscape. Furthermore, there is a grafted variety of this tree that remains small, growing up to 1.2 meters in height. Despite its compact size, it is still highly productive, making it an excellent choice for patio containers. The leaves of the quince tree are green with pale undersides, and they turn yellow before gracefully falling. While the quince is primarily known as a fruit tree, it can also thrive as a super rare houseplant. It is relatively easy to grow and requires regular watering to flourish. For optimal growth, it thrives in long-lasting, direct light and is ideally placed within one foot of a window. The quince plant belongs to the Cydonia genus and is native to Western Asia.