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Description
Malus Prunifolia, commonly known as the Siberian crab apple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan. The tree can grow up to 6-10 meters tall and 4-8 meters wide. It has a rounded crown and a spreading growth habit. The tree blooms in spring with beautiful white or pink flowers that are 2-4 cm in diameter. The fruit is a small, red or yellow, edible apple that is 1-2 cm in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
Malus Prunifolia has a beautiful appearance that adds beauty to any landscape. The tree has a smooth gray bark that cracks as the tree grows older. The leaves are oval-shaped and dark green, measuring 5-8 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. In fall, the leaves turn yellow or orange, adding a stunning contrast to the landscape. The flowers are usually white, pink, or light pink, and they have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. The fruit is a small apple that is usually red or yellow and can be used to make jams or jellies.
Care Guide
Malus Prunifolia requires minimal care to grow and flourish. Here are some tips to care for the tree:- Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. Water the tree deeply once a week, and make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year in spring with a slow-release fertilizer. – Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. – Sunlight: Malus Prunifolia prefers full sun to partial shade. – Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus Prunifolia is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Apple scab: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and fruit.- Cedar-apple rust: A fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and fruit.- Aphids: Tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl.- Japanese beetle: A beetle that chews on the leaves, causing them to turn brown.
Habitat
Malus Prunifolia is native to Siberia, northern China, and Japan. The tree grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and riverbanks. The tree prefers cool, temperate climates and thrives in areas with cold winters and moderate rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the size of the Malus Prunifolia tree?
A: The tree can grow up to 6-10 meters tall and 4-8 meters wide.
Q: What is the fruit of Malus Prunifolia used for?
A: The fruit is usually red or yellow and can be used to make jams or jellies.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Malus Prunifolia?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
Q: What is the common pest that affects Malus Prunifolia?
A: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Malus Prunifolia:- Malus Domestica (Apple tree)- Malus Floribunda (Japanese flowering crab apple)- Malus Sargentii (Sargent crab apple)- Malus Spectabilis (Chinese flowering crab apple)
References
– “Malus Prunifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c240.- “Siberian Crabapple.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/siberian-crabapple.
