Mother apple Malus domestica 'Mother' (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae

• Synonyms

  Mother Apple

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Mother'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Apple trees, which include the 'Mother' cultivar of Malus domestica, are not considered toxic to humans when it comes to the fruit part that we commonly consume. However, it is important to note that the seeds inside the apples contain amygdalin, a compound that can release cyanide into the body when digested. While a small number of seeds may not cause harm, consuming a large amount could potentially lead to cyanide poisoning, which might result in symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, hypotension, and possibly loss of consciousness or even death if consumed in very high quantities.

• To pets

  For pets, particularly dogs and cats, apple trees, such as the 'Mother' cultivar of Malus domestica, present a similar risk as to humans when it comes to the seeds containing amygdalin. If a pet chews and ingests the seeds, they can potentially be poisoned by the release of cyanide. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning in pets might include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and in severe cases, coma or death. It is generally recommended to keep pets from accessing fallen apples that might contain seeds to prevent the risk of poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  12-15 feet (3.7-4.6 meters)

• Spread

  10-14 feet (3-4.3 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Provides fresh fruit: The apple tree produces fruit that can be eaten fresh, providing a natural and healthy food source.
• Can be used in cooking: Apples from these trees are versatile and can be used in pies, sauces, and various recipes.
• Ornamental value: Apple trees have attractive blossoms in the spring which add beauty to the landscape.
• Shade provider: Mature apple trees can offer shade in gardens and outdoor spaces.
• Supports biodiversity: Apple trees can support various forms of wildlife, including bees during blossom and birds that feed on the fruit.
• Educational opportunities: Growing apple trees can be used as a learning tool for teaching about plant life cycles and horticulture.
• Economic value: Apple production can contribute to local economies, especially in regions where apples are a major agricultural product.
• Culinary diversity: Different varieties of apples, including 'Mother', provide a range of flavors and textures for culinary use.
• Pollination: Apple trees require cross-pollination, encouraging the presence and diversity of pollinators.

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

• Cooking Apple Substitute: When traditional cooking apples are not available, Mother apples can be used in various recipes such as pies, tarts, and crumbles due to their flavor and texture.
• Natural Dye: The skin of the Mother apple can be used to create a natural dye, which can impart a range of colors from yellow to pinkish tones on fabrics and materials.
• Art Supplies: Children can use sliced Mother apples as stamps to create art, by dipping them in paint and pressing them onto paper to create patterns.
• Wildlife Food: Mother apples can also serve as a winter food source for birds and other wildlife when left on the trees or scattered on the ground.
• Photography Prop: The unique appearance of Mother apples makes them a photogenic prop for still life photography or as an element in product shoots.
• Apple Cider: Although not the traditional apple for cider, the Mother variety can be used to experiment with unique flavor profiles in homemade apple ciders.
• Decorative Arrangements: The Mother apple can be featured in autumnal and harvest-themed decorative arrangements or centerpieces.
• Educational Tool: The Mother apple tree can serve as an educational tool in botanical gardens or schools to teach about plant cultivation and varietal differences.
• Fruit Leather: Creating homemade fruit leather snacks is another unusual use for Mother apples, as their flavor can add a unique twist to this healthy treat.
• Apple Syrup: Through reduction, Mother apples can be turned into a sweet syrup, which can be used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Feng Shui

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

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The apple tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Affection: The apple, especially the 'Mother' variety, often symbolizes love and affection, stemming from the fruit's association with various goddesses of love in mythology.
• Beauty and Permanence: As a fruit that can withstand cool temperatures and keep well over time, apples can represent beauty that endures.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: The apple is frequently associated with knowledge and wisdom, harking back to the story of Adam and Eve, where it represented the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
• Temptation and Sin: In some religious traditions, the apple symbolizes temptation and original sin, again linked to the biblical narrative.
• Fertility and Abundance: Apples are often a symbol of fertility and abundance due to their plentiful fruit and the many seeds they contain, which suggests the potential for new growth.
• Health and Well-being: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the apple's association with health and well-being.