Quince is the sole member of the genus Cydonia in the family Rosaceae (which also contains apples and pears, among other fruits). The quince /ˈkwɪns, is a small deciduous tree that bears a pome fruit, similar in appearance to a pear, and bright golden-yellow when mature. Throughout history the cooked fruit has been used as food, but the tree is also grown for its attractive pale pink blossom and other ornamental qualities. The tree grows 5 to 8 metres (16 and a half feet to 26 feet) high and 4 to 6 metres (13 feet to 19 and a half feet) wide. The fruit is 7 to 12 centimetres (3 to 5 inches) long and 6 to 9 centimetres (2 to 3 and a half inches) across. It is native to rocky slopes and woodland margins in South-west Asia, Turkey and Iran.