Medlar Bredase Reus - Mespilus germanica

The Mespilus germanica 'Bredase Reus' or 'Giant of Breda' is a variety of common medlar, or German medlar, selected for its vigor and large fruits. It is a large shrub or small deciduous tree that is also appreciated for its unpretentious spring flowering and beautiful autumn colours.

The Mespilus germanica 'Bredase Reus' originates from the Proeftuin de Breda in the Netherlands. The original tree was known in 1934, it was multiplied and then introduced into horticultural trade in 1950. Like all medlars, it belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a small tree with slightly faster growth than the typical species, with an irregular, generally rounded crown supported by heavy main branches. It can eventually reach 5 to 6 m in height with a slightly greater spread. Its trunk is twisted and heavily branched. Its greyish bark peels off with age to reveal a new brownish-orange bark. The branches sometimes have a few large scattered thorns. Its white flowering, in May-June, consists of solitary flowers, with white cups measuring 4-5 cm. They are pollinated by bees and other pollinating insects. The fruits, called medlars, are shaped like flat spinning tops, measuring 5-6 cm in diameter and are larger than those of the typical species. Their brown to bronze skin hides a creamy, sweet flesh that becomes delicious after the first frost. The 'Bredase Reus' medlar tree produces numerous fruits every year. The foliage is deciduous, appearing in spring. It consists of oblong, finely toothed leaves, reaching 12-15 cm in length, fuzzy, especially when young. In autumn, they take on shades of brown-red, orange, and golden yellow before falling.

The 'Bredase Reus' medlar tree is an ideal tree for a free hedge. However, in a traditional hedge, if you prune it too short, your medlar tree will not flower. For a natural and diversified association, mix it with other native species such as hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, European spindle Euonymus europaeus, field maple Acer campestre, male cornel Cornus mas… This type of hedge will surely attract bees and birds.

The medlar, such a unique fruit, was used in the past as a source of energy during winter, and it had the reputation of curing sore throats. To consume medlar fruits, they must be left to over-ripe, that is, harvested after the first frost. The medlar, which contains five large pips, can be eaten fresh, in compotes, or in jams. It is also used in the composition of ratafia.