Uses
Toxic parts
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.
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - raw, cooked in pies, cakes etc or fermented into cider
[1]. The taste can be sweet and pleasant. The fruit can be up to 6cm in diameter
[2].
Material uses
Used as a rootstock for the cultivated apples, there are several named varieties
[3].
A yellow dye is obtained from the bark
[4].
The bark, and especially the root bark, is anthelmintic, refrigerant and soporific
[5][6]. An infusion is used in the treatment of intermittent, remittent and bilious fevers
[6].
The fruit is said to dispel gas, dissolve mucous, cure flux and be a tonic for anaemia, bilious disorders and colic[5].
The leaves contain up to 2.4% of an antibacterial substance called 'phloretin'[6]. This inhibits the growth of a number of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in as low a concentration as 30 ppm[6].
The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'The cleansing remedy', 'Despondency' and 'Despair'
[7].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Secondary canopy
Ecological Functions
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
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
[2]. 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
[8].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Malus pumila. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil
[9][2]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation
[9][2].
A parent of the cultivated apple[2], it is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit and also as a dwarfing rootstock[3]. There are some named forms[2].
The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[2].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[2].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus
[2].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Malus pumila. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Malus pumila.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Malus pumila
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
References
-
? 1.01.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 2.002.012.022.032.042.052.062.072.082.092.10 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? 3.03.13.23.3 ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
-
? 4.04.1 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
-
? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
-
? 7.07.1 Chancellor. P. M. Handbook of the Bach Flower Remedies C. W. Daniel Co. Ltd. ISBN 85207 002 0 (1985-00-00)
-
? Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
-
? 9.09.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
Cite error: <ref>
tag with name "PFAFimport-74" defined in <references>
is not used in prior text.
"image:Malus pumila0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.