Cudrania, 'Chinese Best' female Che Chinese Melonberry

Cudrania tricuspidata 'Chinese Best'

Name in Chinese and pin yin: 柘 zhe

Variety description: A new cultivar for us from legendary nurseryman Cliff England. No information yet available as to fruit size and quality. Also unknown is whether a male pollinator is necessary for good fruit set.

Site requirements: Full sun location. Che will grow in a range of soil types provided that the roots stay evenly moist throughout the heat of the summer. Deep, well drained loam is ideal.

 Size at maturity: Likely 10-25' tall, 25' wide, depending on pruning.

Hardiness: USDA zones 5b-9. There are some reports of Che growing in USDA zone 5. Cooler climates may have insufficient summer heat to fully ripen the fruit.

Pests and Diseases: None observed. Birds will eat the fruit if you are late to harvest and deer may browse both the fruit and foliage. We protect young trees with a circle  of wire mesh to keep the deer away.

Plant size: Grafted tree, grown in a 4" x 4" x 9" MT49 tree pot.

When we ship: FALL 2026

Shipping restrictions: None.