By planting a medlar (Mespilus germanica) tree in your garden, you can do just that. This ancient fruit tree has been around for thousands of years, with its origin most likely starting in southeastern Europe and/or southwestern Asia. Did you know medlar trees belong to the rose family (Rosaceae)? Because of its unfamiliarity here in the U.S., a medlar is likely among the trees you didn't know actually produced edible fruit. Once autumn rolls around (in October or November), the leaves turn gold or reddish-brown, and the fruit becomes ready for harvesting.