Apple Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Claygate Pearmain Apple

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Apple trees, including the cultivar Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain', are not toxic to humans when it comes to the fruit they produce. However, the seeds within the apples contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed and metabolized. Ingesting a small number of seeds is unlikely to cause harm due to the low concentration of toxins, which the human body can detoxify in small quantities. Nevertheless, consuming a very large number of apple seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, including headache, dizziness, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, and in extreme cases, can result in respiratory failure or even death.

• To pets

  Apple trees, such as the Malus domestica 'Claygate Pearmain', are generally considered safe for pets when it comes to the fruit flesh. However, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Chewing and ingesting the seeds may release cyanide into the pet's body. While a few seeds are not likely to cause poisoning due to the low concentrations, consuming a large amount can result in cyanide poisoning. Symptoms in pets can include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, can lead to coma or death. It is essential to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from eating large amounts of apple seeds, leaves, or stems.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5-8

• Native area

  Eurasia

General Benefits

• Food Production: Produces edible apples that can be consumed fresh, cooked, or used in various culinary preparations.
• Economic Value: Can be cultivated commercially to sell apples and related apple products, providing income for growers.
• Habitat for Wildlife: Provides a habitat and food source for various birds and insects through its flowers, fruits, and foliage.
• Ornamental Appeal: Offers aesthetic value through its blossoming flowers in spring and fruit-bearing branches in the fall.
• Pollination Support: Flowers provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
• Shade and Shelter: The tree offers shade and shelter in landscapes and gardens, creating microclimates and outdoor living spaces.
• Soil Improvement: As a perennial plant with deep roots, it can help to stabilize soil and improve its fertility over time.
• Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, it captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: Certain apple varieties, including well-known ones like this, have historical and cultural importance in many regions.

Medical Properties

• This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Wood Crafting: Apple wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for fine woodworking projects such as carving, turning, and making small pieces of furniture.
• Smoking Food: Chips or chunks of apple wood are used in smokers and grills to impart a sweet, fruity smoke flavor to meats like pork, chicken, and beef.
• Floral Arrangements: Branches of apple trees, especially when in bloom with flowers, can be used in decorative floral arrangements.
• Educational Tool: Apple trees can be used in school gardens or educational orchards to teach children about plant biology, pollination, and fruit development.
• Photography Prop: The attractive flowers and fruit of the apple tree can serve as a beautiful backdrop or subject in nature photography.
• Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees provide shelter and a food source for various birds and insects within their ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity.
• Handmade Paper: The fibrous material from the bark of apple trees can be used as a component in creating handmade paper.
• Musical Instruments: The dense wood of apple trees can be utilized in making parts of some musical instruments such as woodwind mouthpieces and drumsticks.
• Live Fencing: Apple trees can be planted in rows to form a living fence that can also yield fruit for consumption.
• Natural Play Structures: Robust apple tree branches can be used to create natural play structures or climbing frames for children in gardens or playgrounds.

Feng Shui

The Apple Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Apple Tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Health: Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, is often associated with health and vitality, owing to the famous saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." The fruit's nutritional value reinforces this symbolism.
• Knowledge: In Western culture, the apple is sometimes used as a symbol for knowledge and education, perhaps most famously represented in the Biblical story of Adam and Eve where the apple represents the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
• Love and Fertility: Apples have also been linked to love and fertility in various mythologies and folklore, symbolizing abundance and the sweetness of life.
• Immortality: In Norse and Greek myths, apples are seen as the food of the gods and are associated with eternal youth and immortality.
• Peace: The apple tree can represent peace, as it brings people together through its generous bounty and serves as a gathering place of tranquility and community.