Laxton's Fortune Apple Malus domestica 'Laxton's Fortune' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Laxton's Fortune Apple, Fortune Apple.

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Laxton's Fortune'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant in question is commonly known as apple. Apples are not toxic to humans and are widely consumed as a healthy fruit. However, the seeds within the apple core contain a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested. Cyanide is a potent chemical, which can be poisonous in large doses. Small quantities of apple seeds are generally not harmful to humans as the body can detoxify cyanide in small doses and the hard seed coating may prevent release of the toxin. Consuming large amounts of apple seeds could potentially lead to symptoms of cyanide poisoning, which include headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure and death. Nevertheless, it is very rare for someone to accidentally ingest enough apple seeds to cause harm.

• To pets

  The apple is the common name for the plant Malus domestica 'Laxton's Fortune'. Apples, in general, are considered to be safe for many pets to eat in moderate amounts. However, as with humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can cause cyanide poisoning if ingested in large quantities. Signs of cyanide poisoning in pets can include difficulty breathing, panting, shock, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, collapse and death. It is important to keep in mind that the core and seeds of apples should not be fed to pets to avoid any risk. Additionally, some pets might have sensitivities or allergies to apples, so it's best to introduce the fruit slowly into their diet and in small quantities.

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

• Provides fresh fruit: The 'Laxton's Fortune' apple tree produces edible apples that can be consumed fresh off the tree.
• Enhances garden aesthetics: This variety has decorative value with its attractive blossoms in spring and fruits in late summer or fall.
• Supports wildlife: Offers food and habitat for various birds and insects, especially when the apples are left on the tree.
• Pollination partner: Can serve as a pollinator for other apple varieties that require cross-pollination to bear fruit.
• Homemade products: Apples can be used to create homemade goods such as pies, sauces, and cider.
• Educational tool: Can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching about plant growth, pollination, and fruit development.
• Shade provision: A mature 'Laxton's Fortune' apple tree provides shade in the landscape during the warmer months.

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

• Natural Dye: The skins and cores of apples, including the variety 'Laxton's Fortune', can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, yielding a range of earthy tones.
• Photography: Apple juice can be used as a component in the development of photographic film, where its acidity helps to regulate the pH of the developing solution.
• Educational Tool: The growth and anatomy of the apple tree can serve as an excellent tool for educational purposes, teaching topics of botany and plant life cycles.
• Woodworking: The wood from apple trees is valued for its density and fine grain, making it suitable for crafting small wooden objects like handles and artisanal crafts.
• Insect Trap: Chopped apple can act as bait in homemade insect traps due to its sweet smell that attracts fruit flies and other insects.
• Play Dough: Apple peels and cores can be boiled down with flour and salt to create a natural and safe play dough for children.
• Animal Feed: The flesh of apples can be used as supplemental feed for livestock, particularly pigs, offering a source of natural sugars and fiber.
• Potpourri: Dried apple slices and peels can be included in potpourri mixes for a sweet-scented and natural air freshener.
• Fermentation Projects: Apple scraps can be used in home fermentation projects to create homemade vinegars or to kickstart the fermentation process in other foods.
• Wood Smoking: Small branches or chips from the apple tree can be used for smoking meats, imparting a mild, fruity flavor to the smoked products.

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

• Beauty: The Malus domestica, commonly known as the apple tree, is often associated with beauty due to its delicate blossoms and attractive fruit.
• Knowledge: Apples have been symbolic of knowledge, inspired by the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge in biblical tradition.
• Abundance: With its prolific fruit, the apple tree represents abundance and generosity.
• Eternal life: In Greek mythology, apples are associated with eternal life, as seen in the story of the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides.
• Love: The apple tree can also symbolize love and romance, owing to various mythologies and folktales where apples are featured as tokens of affection.