Chaenomeles is a genus containing 3 species of spiny, deciduous shrubs in the rose family, Rosaceae. They bear attractive pink, red or white 5-petalled flowers in clusters, measuring 3-4.5cm wide. Flowering occurs late winter to early spring and the fruits ripen in late autumn. Leaves are simple and serrated along the edges. They originate from areas in Japan, Korea, China, Bhutan and Burma and they are popular ornamental shrub species in Europe and North America. Many cultivars have been developed.