Malus prunifolia is a species of apple tree known by the common names pear-leaf and plum-leaf crabapple, Chinese apple and Chinese crabapple.
It is native to China, and is grown elsewhere for use as an ornamental tree or as rootstock. It reaches from between 3 and 8 meters tall and bears white flowers and yellow or red fruit.
Fruits are edible, has a sweet pleasant taste, was mealy and of low acidity.
The fruit can be used fresh or in preserves etc. The fruit is about 20mm (and more) in diameter.
Info source: pfaf.org
Genus - Malus
Species - Prunifolia
Common name - Chinese Apple
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 3 - 7
Height - 20'-30' / 6 - 9 m
Spread - 15-20' / 4 - 6 m
Plant type - Tree or Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Sun, part shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Clay, Loamy, fertile
Water requirements - Drought Tolerant, moist soils
Landscape uses - An easily grown plant with small edible fruits
Germination rate - 72%
Bloom season - April - May
Leaf / Flower color - Green / White
Useful Info | |
Germination | 1. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours, to soften the outer layer. 2. Place the seeds in a damp paper towel and then fold it into quarters. Place the towel into a plastic bag and place into the refrigerator. Keep the seeds inside the refrigerator for 60 to 80 days. 3. Sow 2 mm deep in soil. After approximately 6 weeks the seeds should begin to sprout. Only about 50-60% of the seeds will germinate so plant enough! 4. Plant the sprouts into 6-inch containers filled with a well draining potting soil. Select a container that drains. Be careful not to injure the root system when planting the apple seedlings. Water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy and place the container in a sunny window. 5. When the plant is six months to one year-old, plant it outside in a location situated in full-sun and with well-drained soil. Select a planting site where the tree won't be crowded and gets good air circulation. Constantly wet soils and crowded conditions leads to disease problems and possible death. Info source: eHow.com |