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Flowering QuinceπΈ
Chaenomeles speciosa
γγ±
A deciduous shrub in the rose family, native to China, introduced to Japan in the Heian period. In spring, red, pink, or white 5-petaled flowers line the branches. The ellipsoid fruit is fragrant and used for fruit liquor ('boke-shu') and Chinese medicine ('mokka'). The Japanese native congener is 'kusa-boke' (Chaenomeles japonica). Popular as bonsai and garden shrubs.
Identification Points
- βSharp thorns on branches; ovate leaves with serrated margins
- β5-petaled spring flowers in red, pink, or white cultivars
- βFragrant ellipsoid fruit
Habitat
Cultivated (garden shrubs, bonsai)
Season
March to April (flowers), September to October (fruit)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Ovate
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Petal count
5 petals
Flower color
Red
Flowering season
Spring
Habitat
Cultivated
Phylogenetic Positionγγ©η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Rosales > Rosaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous (approx. 90 million years ago onward)
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification