Chaenomeles cathayensis (Hemsl.) C.K.Schneid.

A small tree or large sparsely branched evergreen shrub. It can be 6 m high but is often only 3 m high. It has spiny branches. The leaves are shiny and mid-green. They are sword shaped and have teeth along the edge. The leaves are often red and velvety underneath. The flowers are often in clusters of 2 or 3. They are white with a pink flush. The fruit are green and have a scent. They are 15 cm long. They turn yellow as they ripen.

It is a temperate plant. It is best in well-composted, well-drained moist soils. It is resistant to frost and drought. It does best in a warm climate to help ripen the fruit. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

The fruit can be used for jelly. They can also be stewed or preserved.

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. Plants take 3-5 years before they are large enough to plant out. Plants can also be grown from cuttings. Larger cuttings over 20 cm long root more easily. Plants can be grafted.