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Description
Malus is a genus of plants that includes apples and crabapples. These trees are native to North America, Europe, and Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years for their fruit, ornamental value, and medicinal properties. The apple is one of the most popular fruits in the world, and there are over 7,500 known cultivars of apples. Crabapples, on the other hand, are usually smaller and more ornamental, with showy flowers and colorful fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
Malus trees can vary greatly in size, shape, and color depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Most apple trees are deciduous and can grow up to 30 feet tall, while crabapples are usually smaller and more shrub-like. The leaves are typically ovate or elliptical and can range from light green to dark green. The flowers are usually white or pink and are produced in clusters in the spring. The fruit can also vary in size, shape, and color, with apples usually being larger and rounder than crabapples.
Care Guide
Proper care is important for the health and productivity of Malus trees. Here are some tips for taking care of your apple or crabapple tree:- Water: Malus trees require regular watering, especially during periods of drought. Water deeply once a week, making sure to soak the soil around the roots.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall to promote healthy growth and fruit production.- Soil: Malus trees prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is poor, amend it with compost or other organic matter.- Sunlight: Malus trees require full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to thrive.- Hardiness Zones: Malus trees are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, depending on the cultivar.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:- Apple maggot: A type of fly that lays its eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot.- Codling moth: A type of moth that lays its eggs in the fruit, causing it to become infested with worms.- Fire blight: A bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches to wilt and turn black.- Cedar apple rust: A fungal disease that causes orange spots on the leaves and fruit.To prevent these and other pests and diseases, make sure to keep your tree healthy by providing proper care and sanitation. You can also use insecticidal sprays or fungicides as needed.
Habitat
Malus trees are native to North America, Europe, and Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to meadows to orchards. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun and are adapted to a wide range of climates.
Question and Answer
Q: How many known cultivars of apples are there?
A: There are over 7,500 known cultivars of apples.
Q: What is the difference between an apple and a crabapple?
A: Apples are usually larger and rounder than crabapples and are grown primarily for their fruit, while crabapples are usually smaller and more ornamental, with showy flowers and colorful fruit.
Q: What is fire blight?
A: Fire blight is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves and branches of Malus trees to wilt and turn black.
Q: What is cedar apple rust?
A: Cedar apple rust is a fungal disease that causes orange spots on the leaves and fruit of Malus trees.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Malus:- Prunus (cherries, plums, peaches)- Pyrus (pears)- Cydonia (quince)- Sorbus (mountain ash)
References
– “Malus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c710.- “Malus.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/31329/malus/details. – “Apple and Crabapple.” University of Illinois Extension. Accessed September 22, 2021. https://extension.illinois.edu/treeselector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=70.
