The correct botanical name for the cultivated apple has long been an area of dispute amongst taxonomists with several different names being proposed. In the late 20th century the name that gained greatest credence was Malus domestica. However, it has now been proposed (D.J. Mabberley, C.E. Jarvis & B.E. Juniper; The name of the common apple; Telopea 9(2): pp421-430 2001) that the name Malus pumila is the correct name and that this name also encompasses the wild form of the apple (Malus sieversii (Ledeb.) M.Roem.). Although there has been a proposal to conserve the name Malus domestica Borkh., this has been recommended for rejection. We are following, with some reluctance, the treatment of Mabberley et al in using the name Malus pumila for the domesticated apple, though we are retaining Malus sieversii for the present because, from a purely horticultural viewpoint, it is distinct[].
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:

General Information

Malus sieversii is a deciduous tree with a broad crown; it usually grows 2 - 10 metres tall, occasionally reaching 14 metres. Branches are unually unarmed, but occasionally are spiny. The plant can produce numerous suckers[, ].
A very important tree, it is the main parent of the cultivated apples. It is commonly harvested from the wild for its fruit and is also cultivated.
Malus sieversii faces a number of threats including: loss and degradation of habitat due to agricultural expansion and development; genetic erosion (grafting of commercial varieties and hybridization); and overgrazing. In Kazakhstan its habitat has declined by over 70% in the last 30 years. Overall, it is suspected that population declines throughout its range have exceeded 30% over the last three generations. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' 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

, ,

Range

C. Asia - China (western Tibet), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

Habitat

Mountain forests and slopes, streamsides in mountain valleys[]. Mountain summits, slopes and valleys, often the dominant tree of forests; at elevations from 1,200 - 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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[, ].
This species is vulnerable to extinction because of its limited range and exploitation[].
Malus sieversii is believed to be the principal ancestor of commercially grown apples[]. A parent of the cultivated apple[], the large well-flavoured fruit is possibly of economic interest[].
The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds[].
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[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Large and well-flavoured[]. The fruits, mostly between 3 and 5 cm across are highly variable in shape, colour, taste and ripening time. Such ones with acceptable taste can be selected simply from the native populations, They are eaten fresh or processed to juice, wine, compote and jam or they are dried[]. The yellowish-green, red-tinged, globose fruit is usually between 30 - 45mm in diameter, though it can be up to 70mm[].

The dried leaves are used to make a tea[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used in reforestation projects[].

Other Uses

Seedlings are used as rootstocks for the cultivated apple[].

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[].
Division of suckers[].