3 Review(s)

The tree may reach 10 or even 32 ft (3-10 m); has a short, crooked trunk branching close to the ground, and a nonsymmetrical, open crown. The opposite leaves, on very short, thick petioles, are obovate- or elliptic-oblong, cordate at the base and clasping the twig; blunt and notched or short-pointed at the ; 2 to 10 in (5-25 cm) long, 1 to 6 3/8 in (2.5-16 cm) wide; dull, light-green above, yellowish-green beneath; leathery; not aromatic or only slightly so when crushed. Flowers, faintly fragrant, are home in loose terminal or axillary clusters of 3 to 7, mostly hidden by the foliage. The 4-parted calyx and 4 petals are pale-yellow, yellowish-white or pinkish and there are numerous concolorous stamens to 3/4 in (2 cm) long. Thin-skinned and shining, the fruit varies from white, to light-red or red, is pear-shaped with a narrow neck and broad ; 5/8 to 3/4 in (1.6-2 cm) long, 1 to 1 1/3 in (2.5-3.4 cm) wide. The is concave; bears the thick calyx segments and the protruding, slender, bristle-like style. The flesh is white or pink, mildly fragrant, dry or juicy, crisp or spongy, and usually of sweetish but faint flavor. There may be 3 to 6 small seeds, frequently only 1 or 2, but generally the fruits are seedless.