Andrew Chick Ecology

While birdwatching around Cavendish Docks this morning, I came across a tree I couldn’t immediately identify. Fortunately, my plant ID app was confident (100%!) it was Medlar (Mespilus germanica), and, on checking later, it seems the app was correct. I’ve no doubt the tree was planted originally, but it was still a notable find, as it looked very old, at least 50 years, and possibly much older.

According to the Cumbria Botany site, the species is only recorded from a single square near Kendal, with historic records from Maryport and Silloth. This tree was growing beside a footpath near the old power station water pipes (next to a burnt-out motorbike, as the photo show)….

The BSBI Atlas notes that in Britain the Medlar rarely regenerates from seed, though it can spread vegetatively by suckering. It is only regarded as truly naturalised in Jersey. The tree was heavy with fruit, so if anyone nearby fancies making some Medlar jelly, let me know and I’ll share the grid reference (just remeber to avoid the dog waste, burnt out stolen bikes and general anti-social goings on…). Also, the Dittander is still in flower, so worth a visit just for that!