Greek mesos — half, pilos — ball, referring to the half-ball shape of the fruits.

For genus description see M. germanica.

A plant grown largely as a curiosity in moist cool climates, requiring frost to sweeten the astringent fruits which retain some acidity. Its one-time appeal may have been due to its ripening time, when few other fresh fruits were available.

1 species from SE Europe to WAsia and Iran.

Seed grafting or budding.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Rosaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.