Mespilus canescens

Mespilus canescens
Conservation status
Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Critically Imperiled  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Mespilus
Species:	M. canescens
Binomial name
Mespilus canescens J.B.Phipps

Mespilus canescens, commonly known as Stern's medlar,^[2] is a large shrub or small tree, recently discovered in Prairie County, Arkansas, United States, and formally named in 1990. It is a critically endangered endemic species, with only 25 plants known, all in one small (9 ha) wood, now protected as the Konecny Grove Natural Area.^[3]

Originally discovered by Jane Stern (hence "Stern's medlar") in 1968–69, the plant was difficult to identify, and at times placed in the genus Crataegus, and even Aronia. J.B. Phipps first described it as belonging to the genus Mespilus in 1990.^[4]

It has been shown by genetic analysis to be closely related to the common medlar Mespilus germanica, which was previously the only known species in the genus. Subsequent molecular analyses suggest that Stern's medlar is likely a hybrid between cultivated M. germanica and one or two native North American species of Crataegus, in which case it should be referred to as × Crataemespilus canescens.^[5]

Description

Thorns are sparse, 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long.^[6] The leaves are 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) long.^[6] The five-petalled white flowers are produced in late spring. The fruit is an almost spherical pome, 8–12 mm (0.3–0.5 in) diameter; it differs from common medlar fruit in being deep glossy red when ripe (not brown).^[6]

Uses

While Stern's medlar has been noted for its great horticultural potential,^[7][8][9] the plant is cultivated mainly for botanical purposes.^[10][11]

See also

• Flora of Arkansas

References

1. Treher, A. (2023). "Crataegus x canescens". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T200290940A200291542. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T200290940A200291542.en. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
2. "Stern's Medlar". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
3. "Konecny Grove Natural Area". Division of Arkansas Heritage. Retrieved 2024-10-15. The natural area protects the only known population of the rare Stern's medlar.
4. Enzenbacher, Tiffany (2019). "A Medlar by Any Other Name" (PDF). Arnoldia. 77 (1): 16–25.
5. Lo, E.Y.Y., Stefanovic, S., Dickinson, T.A., 2007. Molecular reappraisal of relationships between Crataegus and Mespilus (Rosaceae, Pyreae) – two genera or one? Systematic Botany 32: 596–616.
6. Phipps, J.B. 1990. Mespilus canescens, a new rosaceous endemic from Arkansas. Systematic Botany 15: 26-32.
7. "Mespilus in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
8. Sutton, Julian (2023). "× Crataemespilus canescens - Trees and Shrubs Online". Trees and Shrubs Online. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
9. Phipps, J.B.; O'Kennon, R.J.; Lance, R.W. (2003). Hawthorns and Medlars. Royal Horticultural Society Plant Collector Guides. Portland, Oregon: Royal Horticultural Society/Timber Press. pp. 104–107.
10. "Plant of the Week: xCrataemespilus canescens: Stern's Medlar". Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
11. "Mespilus canescens - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2024-10-16.

Further reading

• Enzenbacher, T. 2019. A Medlar by Any Other Name. Arnoldia, 77(1): 16–25.

External links

• Center for Plant Conservation: Mespilus canescens
• Phipps, J.B., Weeden, N.F., & Dickson, E.E. 1991. Isozyme evidence for the naturalness of Mespilus L. (Rosaceae, subfam. Maldoideae). Systematic Botany 16: 546-552.