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Description
Malus Mattfru, also known as Mattfru apple or Mattfru crabapple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid variety of crabapple that was developed in Denmark by Lars Sehested in the early 2000s. This tree is popular for its ornamental value and edible fruit.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Malus |
Appearance
Malus Mattfru is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has a rounded crown with dense foliage that turns yellow-orange in the fall. The leaves are ovate, glossy, and dark green in color. The tree produces fragrant pink and white blossoms in the spring that attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is small, round, and red with a sweet-tart flavor.
Care Guide
To keep your Malus Mattfru healthy and thriving, consider the following care tips:- Water: Water your tree deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Plant your tree in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Malus Mattfru prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Malus Mattfru is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, powdery mildew, and cedar apple rust. Regular pruning and proper care can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
Malus Mattfru is native to Denmark but can be grown in various regions with suitable growing conditions. It thrives in temperate climates with well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Malus Mattfru self-pollinating?
A: No, it requires cross-pollination with another apple or crabapple tree to produce fruit.
Q: When is the best time to prune Malus Mattfru?
A: Prune your tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: Can Malus Mattfru tolerate drought?
A: No, it requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: How long does it take for Malus Mattfru to produce fruit?
A: It typically takes 2-3 years for the tree to produce its first fruit.
Related Plants
– Malus ‘Golden Hornet’- Malus ‘Red Sentinel’- Malus ‘Royal Beauty’- Malus ‘Thunderchild’
References
– “Malus ‘Mattfru’.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c356.- “Mattfru Crabapple.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/mattfru-crabapple.
