Japanese quince; flowering quince
Refers to the shrub Chaenomeles speciosa, known for its early spring blossoms. Often written in kana. Related to but distinct from the quince fruit (マルメロ).
See also: マルメロ
Japanese quince flowers are blooming in the garden.
The flowering quince produces red or white blossoms in early spring.
yodoboke flowering quince; Chaenomeles lagenaria
shiroboke flowering quince; Chaenomeles lagenaria
maboke flowering quince; Chaenomeles lagenaria
hiboke flowering quince; Chaenomeles lagenaria
dwarf Japanese quince; flowering quince; Maule's quince; japonica
Common katakana spelling for the plant; usually written in kana.
Kanji form is rare and may be confused with other readings such as もっか or きゅうり. The reading ぼけ is a gikun (special kanji reading).
The origin of the name ぼけ is uncertain. The kanji 木瓜 literally mean 'tree melon', but this is a jukujikun reading not reflecting the word's derivation.