The taxonomy of the genus Malus is very confused - it has been revised on several occasions, with some authors placing species within the genus Pyrus. Recent morphologic work has suggested that Malus be retained as a separate genus based on fully adnate carpels and deeply inferior ovaries, with molecular evidence providing support. However, cultivation, hybridization, and introgression have led to hundreds of species being named within Malus and there is no clear agreement as to the number of accepted distinct species, or indeed the appropriate name for many of them. The genus requires a comprehensive worldwide revision[].

Common Name: Chinese Apple

General Information

Malus asiatica is a deciduous tree growing 4 - 6 metres tall.
This species has a long history of cultivation for its edible fruit in north and northeast China, being cultivated for over 2,000 years before being to a large extent replaced by the cultivated apple (Malus domestica) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries[]. It is still widely cultivated in central and northern Yunnan in China, being popular because of its early season of ripening, and is sold in local markets in Korea[, ].
The evidence available suggests that this species is only found in cultivation in China and Korea, however research is required to determine whether wild, native populations occur in these countries. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

Although no specific information has been seen, the seed and other parts of the plant (but not the fruit) are likely to contain cyanogenic glycosides. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- sweet almonds, for example, contain only very low levels of it and are safe to eat in quantity, whilst bitter almonds (which are used as a flavouring in foods such as marzipan) contain much higher levels and should only be eaten in very small quantities. Great caution should be employed if the taste is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - northern China.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation[]. Found on open slopes and sandy soils of the plains, although it is not clear as to whether it is in cultivation and/or is an escape from cultivation; at elevations up to 2,800 metree[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Malus asiatica has a wide climatic adaptability, being cultivated in Yunnan in lowland subtropical areas (at elevations around 680 metres) to cool temperate areas (around 3,400 metres[].
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation[].
Cultivated for its edible fruit in China, there are many named varieties[, ]. TA famous fruit tree in northern and northeastern China. During its long cultivation, many cultivars have been bred, the fruit of which differ in shape, color, size, and ripening period[].
Cross-compatibility amongst the different species of Malus is common. Hybridization can occur naturally in botanical gardens and in the wild, or artificially through breeding[, ].
Polyploid forms and asexual seed production (apomixis) occur in some species[].
The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Bitter[]. Not at all bitter, it makes quite pleasant eating[]. Used fresh or in preserves etc[, ]. The yellow or red, ovoid or subglobose fruit is around 30 - 50mm in diameter[, ].

Young leaves - cooked[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The plant is used as a graftstock for cultivated Apple Malus domestica[].

This species is used in apple breeding programmes, where it is valued especially for its frost resistance[].

We do not have a specific description for the wood of this species - the following is a general description for the wood of this genus:-
The heartwood is reddish-grey; the 12 - 30 rings of sapwood are a light reddish. When steamed, the wood becomes reddish brown to dark red-brown. The wood is hard, but has a tendency to warp. It is very difficult to splitd and is difficult to work, but is easily stained and polished. The timber converts cleanly but is moderately hard to saw. A clean finish is produced normally, but a reduction of the cutting angle to 20° is an advantage to planing. The wood is generally of too small a size for commercial exploitation but, where larger sizes are attained the wood has been used for making a wide range of items, including furniture, mallet heads, umbrella handles, cog wheels, pianos, tools etc, and also for turnery[, , ].
The wood of Malus species generally makes a good fuel[, ].

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[]. 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, late autumn in a frame[].