Rank Species | Genus Malus Higher classification Apples | |
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Similar Apples, Malus prattii, Malus sikkimensis, Malus brevipes, Malus yunnanensis | ||
Malus florentina is a species of apple known by the common names Florentine crabapple and hawthorn-leaf crabapple. It is native to the Balkan Peninsula and Italy, and it is grown elsewhere as an ornamental tree.
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Etymology
The botanical name florentina and common name florentine are remarking the source of the municipality of Florence, Italy that has a major history of botanical collection in their famous renaissance gardens, and the other common name hawthorn-leaf is remarking its distinct toothed leaf shape which closely resembles that of a hawthorn and is unusual for a crabapple.
Description
Tree is deciduous, upright and vase shaped, growing up to 8 m (26ft) by 6 m (19ft). It is cold hardy to UK zone 4 and USDA hardiness zone 4-8, and is not frost tender. It blossoms in June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. Flowers appear in corymbs.
Fruit is oval, about 15mm long and 8mm wide, it ripens in mid autumn and usually bletts on the tree.
Consumption
Can be eaten raw or cooked. When bletted, it has a mealy texture with a soft acid flesh, is refreshing in small quantities. Seed of all crabapple contain hydrogen cyanide that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
Cultivation
Suitable for all kind of soils, with all levels of PH values, but prefers moist or wet soil that is well drained. Prefers full sun but can also manage when semi-shaded.