Pseudocydonia

Pseudocydonia Sinensis, or Chinese quince is a tree of the Rosaceae family. It’s a semi-evergreen or deciduous tree that is native to eastern and southern China. It is the sole species in the genus Pseudocydonia. Its hard, astringent fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a food in East Asia. Trees are generally 10-18 metres (33-59 ft) tall.

This tree is closely related with the east Asian genus chaenomeles and is often placed as Chaenomeles sinensis. However, it lacks thorns, has single flowers and does not have clusters of flowers. Chinese quince is further distinguished from quince, Cydonia oblonga, by its serrated leaves and lack of fuzz.

Uses

The fruit is hard and astringent, though it softens and becomes less astringent after a period of frost. It can be used to make jam, much like quince. In Korea, the fruit is used to make mogwa-cheong (preserved quince) and mogwa-cha (quince tea).^{[citation needed]}

Traditional Chinese medicine uses the fruit extensively to treat rheumatoid (or “damp bi syndrome”) rheumatoidarthritis. A 2007 pharmacological study suggests extracts of phytochemicals in the fruit have antioxidant and antiviral properties.

The wood is frequently used in Japan for making low-end shamisen.^{[citation needed]}

Chinese quince is also grown as an ornamental tree.^{[citation needed]} In Haeju, North Korea two Chinese Quinces planted in 1910 are national monuments, being probably the tallest of specimens in the country.