Quince is the sole member of the genus Cydonia in the family Rosaceae (which also contains apples and pears; among other fruits). The quince /'kw?ns/; is a small deciduous tree that bears a pome fruit; similar in appearance to a pear; and bright golden-yellow when mature. Throughout history the cooked fruit has been used as food; but the tree is also grown for its attractive pale pink blossom and other ornamental qualities.

The tree grows 5 to 8 metres (16 and a half feet to 26 feet) high and 4 to 6 metres (13 feet to 19 and a half feet) wide. The fruit is 7 to 12 centimetres (3 to 5 inches) long and 6 to 9 centimetres (2 to 3 and a half inches) across.

It is native to rocky slopes and woodland margins in South-west Asia; Turkey and Iran. Pictures From History