Medlar

[Jim Ford]

I spotted a nice Medlar on the grass between the path and Horse Guards Road, at the East end of St. James's Park in London. If you're down that way it's quite picturesque and well worth a look. I should have photographed it - but didn't!

There was lots of fruit on it and I picked a couple to see what they taste like after 'bletting'!

The only other Medlar I've seen recently is in the grounds of Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. They are an interesting and curious tree.

Jim

[aeshna5]

They are attractive trees- I noticed recently a small recent planting when a friend wanted to show me over Dukes Meadows, Chiswick where in addition to the wildflower plantings was a lovely communal orchard with an interesting mix of trees.

Years ago there was a mature Medlar in a local hospital grounds where somebody would collect the fruits for bletting to form "Medlar cheese"- I was given a jar, but it didn't appeal to my palate so I passed it on. I do remember in the tree's latter years Ring-necked Parakeets discovered the fruits + took a liking to them!

[Adam Cheeseman]

Can you send it my way if you get any more Medlar Cheese, Aeshna? Lovely with cold meat.

Cheers,

Adam