King's Acre Pippin Malus domestica 'King's Acre Pippin' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  King's Acre Pippin, King's Pippin.

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'King's Acre Pippin' (D).

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as the apple tree, specifically the 'King's Acre Pippin' variety, is not toxic to humans when the fruit is eaten as part of a normal diet. However, the seeds of the apple contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting a large number of crushed apple seeds could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which can cause symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, can be fatal.

• To pets

  Apple trees, like the 'King's Acre Pippin' variety, are generally considered safe for pets when it comes to the flesh of the fruit. However, the seeds, stems, and leaves of the apple tree contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when digested. Ingesting these parts in large enough quantities can lead to cyanide poisoning in pets. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, panting, dilated pupils, and shock. If a pet consumes a large amount of apple seeds, stems, or leaves, it is important to seek veterinary attention promptly.

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

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Edible Fruit: The Malus domestica 'King's Acre Pippin' produces apples that can be consumed fresh, cooked, or used in cider making.
• Environmental Impact: Like other apple trees, it contributes to the ecosystem by providing food for wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
• Aesthetic Appeal: This apple tree is visually appealing, featuring beautiful blossoms in the spring and colorful fruit in the autumn, which can enhance the appearance of gardens and landscapes.
• Pollination: It can serve as a pollinator for other apple varieties that require cross-pollination, thus supporting the production of crops in home gardens and orchards.
• Educational Value: Gardening with apple trees such as the King's Acre Pippin provides educational opportunities about the life cycle of plants, horticulture, and the importance of biodiversity.
• Shade and Shelter: Mature apple trees can provide shade and shelter, creating a cooler microclimate in the summer and serving as windbreaks or privacy screens.
• Carbon Sequestration: Like all trees, apple trees capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the mitigation of climate change.
• Soil Improvement: This tree's root system can help in preventing soil erosion and also enhances soil fertility through the yearly cycle of leaf and fruit drop.
• Habitat Creation: The structure of apple trees offers habitat niches for various insects, birds, and other small animals, enriching local biodiversity.
• Recreational Activities: Apple trees provide opportunities for recreational activities such as apple picking, which can be both fun and educational for families and communities.

Medical Properties

• Source of Dietary Fiber: The flesh of apples is rich in dietary fiber, which can help regulate the digestive system and may prevent constipation.
• Rich in Vitamin C: Apples contain Vitamin C which is important for the immune system, skin health, and may help protect against cardiovascular disease.
• Contain Phytonutrients: Apples have a variety of phytonutrients that may have antioxidant effects, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
• Cardiovascular Health: Consuming apples is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, possibly due to the soluble fiber content and the presence of phytochemicals.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: The type of fiber found in apples can slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Weight Management: Apples can contribute to weight control because they are low in calories and have a high water and fiber content which may increase satiety.
• Oral Health: Chewing apples can stimulate saliva production, which can reduce tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria in the mouth.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Wood smoking: The wood from Malus domestica can be used for smoking meats to imbue a sweet, fruity flavor that is distinct from other types of smoking wood.
• Natural dye: The bark, leaves, and even the fruit of the apple tree can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns, yielding a range of colors from yellows to browns.
• Educational tool: Apple trees can be planted in schools for educational purposes, teaching children about plant growth, photosynthesis, and fruit development.
• Photography subject: The blossoms and fruit of the apple tree are often used as subjects for photography, providing a picturesque element to still life and landscape images.
• Beekeeping support: Apple trees can provide an important source of pollen and nectar for bees in orchards, supporting the health of the hive and contributing to better pollination.
• Homemade vinegar: Homemade apple cider vinegar can be crafted using the apples from the tree, which has various household and culinary uses.
• Craft material: Twigs and branches from the apple tree can be used in crafting, particularly in wreath making or as support stakes for other plants.
• Landscape design: The apple tree can be used as a feature in landscape design, providing seasonal interest with its blossoms, fruit, and autumn foliage.
• Horticultural grafting: Rootstock from the apple tree can be used for grafting other apple varieties, experimenting with fruit production and tree characteristics.
• Printing and stamping: Apple halves can be used as makeshift stamps for children’s craft projects, using the natural star shape of the seed cavity to create designs on paper or fabric.

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

• Love and Temptation - Apples have been long associated with the story of Adam and Eve in the Judeo-Christian tradition, symbolizing the original temptation and the fall of man.
• Knowledge and Wisdom - In many cultures, an apple can symbolize knowledge, wisdom, and learning; perhaps related to the allegorical fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.
• Youth and Beauty - The apple is often related to youthfulness and aesthetic appeal, possibly stemming from its fresh appearance and the mythological idea of apples granting eternal youth.
• Fertility and Abundance - Apples, being fruit-bearing trees, are often symbols of fertility and abundance, representing a plentiful harvest or the growth of a family.
• Peace and Tranquility - Offering an apple can be seen as a gesture of peace, as exemplified by the story of Eris in Greek mythology who threw a golden apple inscribed with "to the fairest" to disrupt a wedding banquet, leading eventually to the Trojan War.