Very often Japanese quince (chaenomelis) is used for decorative purposes, in gardening. Only at the beginning of the last century did scientists nevertheless recognize that the fruits of the shrub bring benefits to human health. To date, a large number of different varieties of quince (about 500 species) have been bred. Unfortunately, this plant is thermophilic and is practically not grown on the territory of Russia, since it does not tolerate frost and cold.
Description of Japanese quince
Chaenomelis is a shrub that rarely exceeds one meter in height. The flora can be deciduous or semi-evergreen. Japanese quince is characterized by shoots in the form of an arc and glossy leaves; some plant varieties may have thorns. The birthplace of chaenomelis is rightfully considered Japan, as well as countries such as Korea and China.
During the flowering period, Japanese quince is “dotted” with large, bright flowers with a diameter of about five centimeters. The color of the inflorescences can be red-orange, white, pink and feel like terry cloth. The period of activity falls on the month of May-June. The shrub begins to bear fruit only at 3-4 years of age. Full ripening occurs in the month of September and October. Fruits resemble apples or pears in shape, can have a yellow-green or bright orange color.
The benefits and harms of chaenomelis
Relatively recently, the benefits of using Japanese quince have been proven. Various vitamins and useful organic compounds are found in the composition of chaenomelis. Shrub fruits are 12% sugars, namely fructose, sucrose and glucose. In addition, Japanese quince is a storehouse of organic acids, including malic, tartaric, fumaric, citric, ascorbic and chlorogenic acids. All this allows you to normalize the acid-base balance, prevent nervous and muscle pathologies, stabilize carbohydrate and fat metabolism, and prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
Due to the large amount of ascorbic acid in chaenomelis, the plant is often referred to as the northern lemon. Japanese quince also contains iron, manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, carotene, as well as vitamins B6, B1, B2, E, PP. The use of bush fruits has the following effects:
- fortifying;
- anti-inflammatory;
- diuretic;
- hemostatic;
- choleretic;
- antioxidant.
Chaenomelis helps to increase immunity, cleanse the walls of blood vessels, prevent anemia and exhaustion.
The use of quince can be harmful only if the user has an allergic reaction. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume a large amount of the fruit of the bush. Contraindications to use are also stomach ulcers, constipation, inflammation of the small or large intestine, pleurisy. Quince seeds are toxic and must be removed before consumption.
Plant care
Chaenomelis is actively developing from April to September. During this period, it is necessary to regularly water the plant and apply acidic fertilizers. Japanese quince is a heat-loving shrub, so it is best to put it in a sunny place, but as far as possible from the heating system. In summer, it is recommended to place the plant outdoors, but do not allow it to remain outside at a temperature of +5 degrees.
The plant is considered young up to five years old. During this period, the quince needs to be transplanted every year, then this procedure is repeated every three years. In summer it is recommended to prune old branches (it is important to do this after flowering). To form the correct bush, you need to leave no more than 12-15 branches.
