nespérons

Nespérons is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. Plants in the genus Nespérons are commonly known as medlars.

Medlars are typically small trees or shrubs, usually deciduous. They produce white or pinkish flowers in spring, followed by edible fruit that ripens in the autumn. The fruit, also called a medlar, is typically round or pear-shaped and has a brown or reddish skin. The flesh of the medlar is usually tart when first picked and requires a process called bletting, where it is allowed to soften and decay slightly before consumption. This process makes the fruit sweeter and more palatable, with a texture often compared to applesauce or dates.

The common medlar, Mespilus germanica, is the most well-known species and has a long history of cultivation. Historically, medlars were more widely consumed than they are today. They can be eaten fresh after bletting, or used in preserves, jellies, and wines. Other species within the Nespérons genus exist, though they are less commonly cultivated or known for their fruit. The genus is closely related to other genera within the Rosaceae family, such as Crataegus (hawthorn) and Amelanchier (serviceberry).