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Malus_prunifolia - (Willd)Borkh.

Common Name Chinese Apple, Plumleaf crab apple
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Habitats Slopesand plains from sea level to 1300 metres[266].
Range E. Asia - northern China.
Edibility Rating    (4 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Malus_prunifolia Chinese Apple, Plumleaf crab apple


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Bruce_Marlin
Malus_prunifolia Chinese Apple, Plumleaf crab apple
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:BS_Thurner_Hof

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of lolypop
Malus_prunifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[183]. A bitter flavour[K]. Fruits we have tasted have been astringent rather than bitter, though some cultivars and forms are not at all bitter. A fruit of the species, tasted at Kew in October 1991, had a sweet pleasant taste, was mealy and of low acidity[K]. The fruit can be used fresh or in preserves etc. The fruit is about 20mm in diameter[200], though some forms are considerably larger[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

This species is an excellent stock for grafting apple trees[266].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil[1, 200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation[200]. Highly resistant to frost and drought, this species is being used to a limited extent in breeding programmes for cultivated apples[183]. The cultivar 'Hyslop' has edible fruits 4cm in diameter[200]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[200]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received[200]. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame[11].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu, Qinghai Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Malus prunifoliaChinese Apple, Plumleaf crab appleTree8.0 3-7  LMHSNM401
Malus prunifolia rinkiiChinese AppleTree8.0 3-7  LMHSNM30 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Willd)Borkh.

Botanical References

11200266

Links / References

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