[Overview]
A deciduous shrub to small tree.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptic to ovate, with an awn-like extended tip and a serrated margin.
Several flowers are borne in a cyme; they are 5-petaled, reddish in bud, and become white to pale pink when open.
The fruit is a spherical pome about 2–3 cm in diameter, and the flesh is a developed receptacle.
The calyx persists at the top of the fruit.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed, by cuttings, or by grafting.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated site with moderate moisture.
It prefers a cool environment, so potted plants are best moved to airy partial shade in summer.
Keeping it slightly on the dry side makes the fruit sweeter; for potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply organic fertilizer in spring and autumn.
Pests and diseases include black spot, fire blight, longhorn beetles and aphids.
