Apple Malus domestica 'George Cave' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  George Cave Apple

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'George Cave'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The most common name for Malus domestica 'George Cave' is apple. Apples are not toxic to humans when consumed as fruit, and they are widely enjoyed for their flavor and nutritional benefits. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a substance that can release small amounts of cyanide when digested. Eating an extreme number of apple seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and vomiting, potentially leading to more severe health issues such as respiratory failure and even death. However, accidental ingestion of a few seeds is unlikely to cause harm, as the human body can detoxify small doses of cyanide, and the hard seed coating typically prevents release of the toxin unless the seeds are crushed.

• To pets

  The apple, which is the most common name for Malus domestica 'George Cave', can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs, if they consume the seeds in large quantities. Apple seeds contain amygdalin which can metabolize into cyanide when ingested. Cyanide is a toxic compound that can prevent the blood from carrying oxygen, leading to issues such as difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and potentially even death. The flesh of the apple itself is generally safe for pets in moderate amounts, but the core and seeds should be avoided. As with humans, a pet accidentally swallowing a few apple seeds is not expected to cause an issue due to the small amount of toxin present and the seed coating, but it is best to avoid allowing pets to consume the seeds.

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

  Asia

General Benefits

• Ornamental Value: The 'George Cave' apple, commonly known as an early-season apple, is aesthetically pleasing due to its attractive blooms in spring and colorful fruit.
• Edible Fruit: Produces tasty apples that can be eaten fresh or used in cooking and baking.
• Pollinator Attraction: Blossoms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
• Shade Provider: As a tree, it can offer shade in gardens and outdoor spaces during hot summer months.
• Habitat for Wildlife: Provides shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects.
• Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest from blossoming flowers in the spring, to fruit in the summer, and vibrant leaf colors in the fall.
• Local Adaptation: Often well-adapted to local conditions when sourced from regional growers, potentially requiring less maintenance.

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

• Apple wood chips can be used for smoking meats to add a mild, sweet flavor.
• Crushed apple seeds, although containing amygdalin, can sometimes be used in very small quantities for the creation of natural pesticides.
• Dried apple slices can be strung on a garland as a decorative piece or used in potpourri.
• The natural pectin found in apples can be extracted and used as a gelling agent for making homemade jams and jellies.
• Apple vinegar, made from fermented apple juice, can be used as a natural cleaning agent due to its acidity.
• The peeled bark of apple trees can be used in tanning leather, providing tannins required for the process.
• Old or spoiled apples can be added to a compost pile to enrich the soil with nutrients as they decompose.
• Artists can use apple halves to create natural stamps for craft projects, dipping them in paint to make apple-shaped patterns.
• The sturdy wood from apple trees can be used in woodturning to create small objects like tool handles, knitting needles, or bowls.
• During winter, strings of fresh apples can be hung outside to feed birds and other wildlife as a natural food source.

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

• Knowledge and Enlightenment: As a variety of apple, 'George Cave' is often associated with the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge in the biblical Garden of Eden, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
• Love and Desire: Apples have been considered symbols of desire and love, often interpreted as forbidden fruits that ignite the spark of passion.
• Fertility and Abundance: Historically, apples have represented fertility and abundance because of their prolific nature and the bounty of fruit they bear.
• Youth and Beauty: The apple's fresh, crisp appearance can symbolize youth and beauty, as well as rejuvenation and healthfulness.
• Eternal Life: In some mythologies, apples are seen as offering immortality, either literally or metaphorically as a symbol of living on through one's descendants.
• Peace and Harmony: Presenting an apple or sharing the fruit has been used as a token of peace and a gesture of reconciliation.