Mespilus loquat, one of several "Eriobotrya" species, was formerly thought to be closely related to the genus "Mespilus", and is still sometimes known in some European countries as a medlar and is still sometimes called the "Japanese medlar". Many authors group "Mespilus" together with "Crataegus" in a single genus. When thus combined, the correct species name is "Crataegus germanica" (L.) Kuntze. The common name “snowy mespilus” attaches to certain species of "Amelanchier", notably "Amelanchier lamarckii" and "Amelanchier ovalis". "Mespilus germanica" features an unusual apple-like fruit. In southern Europe, the medlar fruit ripen fully and can be eaten off the tree, but
SweeTango have observed including 'State Fair' (not patented), 'Arends' (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,800), and 'Minnewashta'. The patent compares this new apple style to the state fruit of Minnesota, the 'Honeycrisp'. 'Minneiska' is an early season apple, with fruit ripening about the first week of September in Excelsior, Minnesota. Ripening time is slightly after 'Minnewashta', and about two to three weeks before 'Honeycrisp'.” The patent further shows that the new apple variety has characteristics superior to the 'Honeycrisp' apple (its "mother") “'Minneiska' is readily distinguished from its parent 'Honeycrisp' in that the fruit of 'Minneiska' ripen approximately two to three weeks