Gala Apple Malus domestica 'Gala' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Gala Apple

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Gala'

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question is the Gala apple tree. Apples are widely known as a safe and healthy fruit for human consumption. However, it is important to note that the seeds of apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting a small number of apple seeds is generally not harmful due to the low concentration of amygdalin. Yet, consuming a very large number of seeds may lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, rapid breathing, and potentially leading to more serious consequences like respiratory failure or cardiac arrest if left untreated. Nonetheless, accidental ingestion of small amounts of seeds from a Gala apple is highly unlikely to result in poisoning due to the protective hard seed coating and the small amount of amygdalin present.

• To pets

  The plant known as the Gala apple tree can be toxic to pets due to the seeds, which contain amygdalin, a substance that can produce cyanide when metabolized. While the flesh of the apple is safe for dogs and cats in moderation, ingestion of a large number of apple seeds may lead to symptoms such as dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock in pets. In severe cases, cyanide toxicity can be life-threatening. To avoid any risk, it is advisable to remove the seeds and core of the apple before offering it to pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.6-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  10-14 feet (3-4.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5-8

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Edible Fruits: The 'Gala' variety produces sweet and flavorful apples that are widely loved for fresh eating and culinary uses.
• Economic Value: Apple farming can be a lucrative industry, providing income for farmers and contributing to the economy.
• Beautification: When in bloom, 'Gala' apple trees offer a stunning floral display that enhances the aesthetic of gardens and orchards.
• Pollinator Support: The flowers provide a source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
• Culinary Versatility: Apples from the 'Gala' variety are versatile in cooking and baking, used in pies, sauces, and a variety of dishes.
• Community Engagement: Apple picking is a popular activity that can foster family bonding and community involvement in orchard areas.
• Shade and Shelter: As a tree, 'Gala' apple provides shade and can be part of a shelterbelt or windbreak in a landscape.
• Wildlife Habitat: Apple trees can serve as a habitat and food source for various birds and small mammals.
• Cultural Significance: The apple has strong cultural ties in many societies and is associated with traditions, folklore, and celebrations.
• Educational Opportunities: Orchards can be used for educational purposes, teaching about horticulture, botany, and the environment.
• Seasonal Interest: The changing appearance of the tree through seasons—from blossoms to fruit to autumn foliage—adds year-round interest to the landscape.
• Carbon Sequestration: As a tree, 'Gala' apple contributes to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Apples contain various antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Dietary Fiber: The fiber in apples can aid in digestive health, potentially helping to prevent constipation and maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
• Cardiovascular Health: Apples have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, possibly owing to their soluble fiber content, which can help to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: The soluble fiber in apples can also help in managing blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates and the absorption of sugar.
• Weight Management: Apples are low in calories and high in fiber, which can create a feeling of fullness and help in weight control.
• Cancer Prevention: Studies suggest that the consumption of apples may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, potentially due to their antioxidant properties and fiber content.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The wood of an apple tree can be used for creating small wooden objects like tool handles, due to its durability and strength.
• Apple tree wood chips are often used in smoking meats, as they impart a delicate, sweet flavor to the smoke.
• The leaves of apple trees can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, producing shades of yellow or brown depending on the mordant used.
• Apple pomace, the leftover pulp from juicing apples, can be used as a livestock feed supplement, offering a nutritious source of fiber.
• Dried apple branches may serve as decorative elements in floral arrangements or as part of wreaths and other craft projects.
• Sliced and dried apples can be used as natural and biodegradable ornaments for holiday decorations.
• The dense, hard wood of the apple tree can be used for carving or turning on a lathe to produce intricate wooden sculptures or functional art pieces.
• Leftover apple skins can be boiled to create a natural, homemade apple-scented cleaning vinegar for various household uses.
• Bake thin apple slices at a low temperature to make apple chips, a healthy and natural snack option.
• Apple tree pruning can yield long, straight shoots that may be repurposed as stakes or supports for other plants in the garden.

Feng Shui

The Gala apple tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Gala apple tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Temptation: As the apple is commonly associated with the story of Adam and Eve in the Judeo-Christian tradition, it often represents temptation and original sin, but also love and desire.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: Often seen as a symbol of enlightenment and understanding, the apple can represent the pursuit of knowledge, as it's tied to the myth of the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Knowledge.
• Youthfulness and Vitality: In various cultures, apples are associated with youth and health, as they are nutritious fruits that have been linked to longevity and rejuvenation.
• Prosperity and Abundance: Because apple trees produce bountiful fruit, they are also symbolic of abundance and fertility, suggesting a generous provision of resources.
• Peace and Harmony: In some traditions, the apple is a symbol for peace, as exemplified by the apple of discord in Greek mythology which ultimately led to the events of the Trojan War; an ironic symbol showing the desire for peace through tumultuous times.
• Beauty and Perfection: The 'Gala' apple, with its appealing color and shape, can symbolize aesthetic beauty and the pursuit of perfection in various aspects of life.