Apple Malus domestica Eden = 'Sjca38r6a74' (D)
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ABOUT
Malus domestica Eden = 'Sjca38r6a74' (D), commonly known as the apple tree, is characterized by its distinctive features that contribute to its appearance. The plant bears a woody structure typical of fruit-bearing trees, supporting a network of branches that spread out to create a canopy. The leaves of the apple tree are oval-shaped with slight pointy tips, featuring a vibrant green color that can turn shades of yellow or red in autumn. The apple tree is renowned for its blossoms, which appear in spring. The flowers are usually white with a pink blush, possessing a delicate look and are often fragrant, attracting various pollinators such as bees. Following the flowering period, the tree begins to set fruit. The apples themselves are perhaps the most recognizable feature of the plant. Depending on the specific variety, they can come in a range of colors, including reds, greens, yellows, or a combination of these colors. The skin of the apples is generally smooth, with a slight sheen. The size of the apples can vary, but they are typically round to oblong in shape. Throughout the growing season, the apple tree’s leaves and apples add to its aesthetic appeal, making it not just a source of fruit but also a visually attractive addition to any garden or orchard setting. Its appearance changes with the seasons, offering a dynamic display of nature’s cycles from the budding of the first leaves to the final harvest of fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Eden Apple
Common names
Malus domestica Eden = 'Sjca38r6a74' (D).
ToxicityTo humans
Malus domestica, commonly known as apple, is not toxic to humans when consuming the fruit's flesh. However, the seeds inside the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting small amounts of seeds typically does not pose a risk due to the low concentration of amygdalin. Still, consuming a large number of crushed apple seeds can lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which may include headache, confusion, dizziness, shortness of breath, and potentially can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It is important to avoid consumption of large quantities of apple seeds to prevent any risk of toxicity.
To pets
Apple, or Malus domestica, is not toxic to pets when considering the fleshy part of the fruit. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be harmful if ingested in large quantities due to the potential release of cyanide after digestion. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets may include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. In severe cases, ingestion of a large number of apple seeds could potentially be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the seeds before offering apples to pets as a treat.
CharacteristicsLife 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
4-8
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Nutritional Value: Apples offer a range of essential nutrients, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants.
- Culinary Versatility: They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or baked, making them a versatile ingredient for a wide array of dishes and culinary practices.
- Economic Importance: As a commercial crop, apple trees like Malus domestica provide an important source of income for farmers and contribute to the agricultural economy.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Apple trees can offer a habitat and food source for various species of birds, insects, and other wildlife.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The blossoms and mature fruit of apple trees provide ornamental value to gardens and landscapes.
- Educational Opportunities: Apple orchards can serve as outdoor classrooms for educational purposes, teaching about botany, agriculture, and ecology.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Apples contain various antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, flavonoids and polyphenols that may help in reducing oxidative stress.
- Dietary Fiber: The fiber in apples contributes to digestive health and may help prevent constipation.
- Cardiovascular Health: Consumption of apples has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, potentially due to the presence of soluble fiber and polyphenols that may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Weight Management: Apples have a high water content and fiber, which can promote satiety and support weight management.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodworking: The wood from apple trees, such as Malus domestica Eden, can be utilized in crafting small wooden items such as handles, carvings, and inlay work due to its hard and dense nature.
- Natural Dyes: The leaves and bark of the apple tree can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, providing shades of brown and yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Fruit Pomace Feed: The leftover pomace after apple juice production can serve as a supplementary feed for livestock, providing a source of fiber and nutrients.
- Photography: An infusion of apple leaves can be used as a component in some alternative photography processes, like anthotypes, to create plant-based photographs.
- Tanning Leather: The tannins found in apple tree bark can be used in tanning leather, providing natural coloration and preservation qualities.
- Educational Tools: Apple trees can be a resource in educational settings, teaching students about plant growth, pollination, and fruit development in botany classes.
- Natural Insect Repellent: Some parts of the apple tree contain natural compounds that can repel insects, and may be used to make a natural insect repellent.
- Grafting Stock: Apple trees are often used as a rootstock for grafting other fruit tree varieties due to their strong and adaptable root systems.
- Barbecue Smoking Chips: Wood chips from apple trees are often used in smoking foods, imparting a sweet and fruity flavor to meats and other barbecued items.
- Biomass Fuel: Dried and compressed apple tree wood and pruned branches can be used as biomass fuel for heating and energy production.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, can be used in Feng Shui to promote health and abundance. Planting an apple tree in the east side of your garden can support family health, as east is associated with family and health in Feng Shui Bagua. Additionally, an apple tree can symbolize peace and fruitfulness, and its blossoms can attract positive energy or chi.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe apple tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Knowledge and Original Sin - The apple often symbolizes knowledge, eternal youth or seduction. This is primarily stemming from the story of Adam and Eve in the Christian tradition, where the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, commonly depicted as an apple, led to the original sin.
- Fertility and Abundance - Apples are a symbol of fertility and abundance due to their many seeds and the ample fruit they produce annually. It is a common motif in various cultures to represent bountiful harvests and prosperity.
- Love and Desire - In some myths, especially Greek mythology, the apple is a symbol of love and desire. For instance, the apple of discord in the story of the Golden Apple leads to the Trojan War, or apples are associated with the goddess Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
- Eternal Life - Some legends also associate apples with immortality and youth. Norse mythology, for instance, tells of golden apples that grant the gods eternal life and youth.
- Wisdom and Peace - The apple can also be considered a symbol of peace and wisdom in some cultural contexts, with the act of offering an apple being a token of peace or a wise decision.
WaterThe apple tree Malus domestica, commonly known as the Eden apple, should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, ensuring that water penetrates the soil to reach the tree's roots. During hot, dry periods, it may require additional waterings, aiming for at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly, including rainfall. In cooler seasons or when the tree is dormant, water less frequently, adjusting to once every two to three weeks, or as needed to prevent soil from becoming waterlogged. Always check the soil moisture by feeling the soil; if the top 2-3 inches are dry, it's time to water again.
LightThe Eden apple tree thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It is important to plant it in a location where it has unobstructed access to sunlight without overshadowing by taller structures or trees. Adequate sunlight is essential for the tree's growth and fruit production.
TemperatureThe Eden apple tree prefers a temperate climate and can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F. The ideal growing temperatures for Eden apple trees range from 60°F to 75°F during the growing season. However, a certain amount of chill hours, typically between 800 to 1000 hours below 45°F in the winter, is necessary for the tree to break dormancy and produce fruit in the spring.
PruningPruning the Eden apple tree is essential to maintain its structure, health, and to improve fruit quality. It is best done during the tree's dormant period, late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts. Thin out dead, damaged, or crowded branches, and prune to shape the tree and open up the canopy for better light penetration. Prune annually for young trees, and less frequently as the tree matures, focusing on maintenance and removal of problem branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilApple trees like Malus domestica Eden = 'Sjca38r6a74' (D) prefer well-draining loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat can create an ideal environment for root growth.
RepottingApple trees, such as the Malus domestica Eden, typically do not require frequent repotting and are usually planted directly into the ground where they can spread their roots.
Humidity & MistingMalus domestica Eden trees do not have specific humidity requirements but they thrive in outdoor conditions where natural humidity levels are generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Apple trees require sun, so indoor growing is not recommended.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, fertile soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Malus domestica Eden ('Sjca38r6a74' (D)), commonly known as the apple tree, begins with seed germination where conditions must be favorable, including cold stratification to break dormancy. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a young tree through a vegetative stage that includes the development of roots, stems, and leaves. As the tree matures, it enters a stage of reproductive growth characterized by flowering, where pollination is vital for fruit development. Following pollination, apples will form and grow to maturity, a stage that requires adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Once the fruits are ripe, they are harvested, and seeds can be disseminated for propagation. Throughout its life, the apple tree will experience cycles of dormancy in colder months and active growth in the appropriate seasons, which in a cultivated setting, includes regular pruning and care to ensure health and productivity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating the apple tree, Malus domestica 'Eden', is through grafting. Grafting is typically done in late winter or early spring before the tree starts to bud. In this process, a scion, which is a young shoot or twig from the apple variety 'Eden', is carefully selected and cut to include several buds. This scion is then joined to a rootstock, which is a young tree or a stem with developed roots, chosen for its hardiness and compatibility with the soil conditions. The cut surfaces of the scion and rootstock are matched up and bound together, often coated with a grafting compound to promote healing and prevent disease. The graft should be kept moist until the tissues fuse, usually within a few weeks, after which it can grow into a new apple tree showing the desired characteristics of the 'Eden' variety.
