Łódź, Widzew

Native to south-eastern Asia; hybrid of the Cydonia oblonga and Pseudocydonia sinensis. Ornamental plant. Bees feeding plant. Edible plant - fruits very harsh and acid raw but fragrant when cooked, used for jams, jellies etc., and as a flavouring with cooked apple. Herbal plant - Mugua is a Chinese traditional medicine derived from the fruits of Chaenomeles species; the fruits are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, digestive and hypoglycaemic; a decoction is used internally in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including nausea, joint pains, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, asthma, common cold, cholera and associated cramps; antioxidant compounds such as these have been shown to protect against cardiovascular diseases and also exhibit anti-tumour, antimicrobial, anti-adhesive, and anti-inflammatory effects. Useful plant - plants can be grown to make a medium sized hedge.