Apple Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D)

Names

• Family

  Rosaceae.

• Synonyms

  Scrumptious Apple, Scrumptious.

• Common names

  Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D).

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D) is apple. Apples are not toxic to humans and are widely consumed around the world without adverse effects when eaten as the fruit. However, the seeds inside an apple can be toxic if consumed in large quantities because they contain a compound called amygdalin, which can release cyanide when digested in the stomach. Eating an occasional apple seed is not harmful, but consuming extremely large amounts can lead to symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, vomiting, and rapid breathing. In severe cases, cyanide poisoning can be fatal. It is important to note, however, that it would take a very large number of apple seeds to reach a toxic level.

• To pets

  The common name for Malus domestica 'Scrumptious' (PBR) (D) is apple. Apples themselves are not toxic to most pets and can be fed in moderation as a treat. However, similar to humans, the seeds contain amygdalin, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities due to the potential release of cyanide upon digestion. While it is uncommon for pets to consume enough seeds to cause cyanide poisoning, symptoms could include drooling, panting, difficulty breathing, shock, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Always remove the seeds and core before offering apple pieces to pets to prevent any risk of toxicity.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  12 feet (3.65 meters)

• Spread

  12 feet (3.65 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Delicious fruit - Produces sweet, juicy apples that are great for eating fresh.
• Attractive tree - Offers ornamental value with its blossoms and foliage.
• Pollination partner - Acts as a pollinator for other apple varieties, encouraging cross-pollination and fruit set.
• Homegrown produce - Allows for the cultivation of home-grown apples, ensuring freshness and reducing the need for store-bought fruit.
• Environmental benefits - Contributes to local ecosystems by providing habitat and food sources for pollinators like bees.
• Educational - Can be used as an educational tool for teaching about plant growth, fruit development, and gardening.
• Seasonal interest - Offers seasonal changes in appearance, from spring blossoms to fall fruit and leaf coloration.
• Food production - Encourages self-reliance and sustainability through home food production.

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

• The wood from apple trees can be used for smoking foods, such as meats and cheeses, to add a sweet and fruity flavor.
• Small branches and twigs of apple trees can serve as perches or toys for birds, both in aviaries and wildlife gardens.
• Fallen leaves from apple trees can be added to compost piles as a source of carbon, helping balance nitrogen-rich materials.
• Apple pomace, the solid remains after juicing the apples, can be used as livestock feed, particularly for pigs.
• Dried apple tree wood can be carved into small decorative items or kitchen utensils, like spoons or bowls.
• The apple tree's dense foliage can provide a natural privacy screen or windbreak in a garden landscape.
• Pruned apple branches can be repurposed as garden stakes or supports for climbing plants and vegetables.
• The strong fibers from the bark of the apple tree can be used in the creation of textiles or ropes in traditional crafting methods.
• Apple trees can be used in agroforestry systems to provide both fruit and a beneficial environment for other crops or animals.
• In educational settings, apple trees can be used to teach students about plant biology, the life cycle of fruit, or organic horticulture practices.

Feng Shui

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

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The apple tree is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love and Affection: The apple, being a fruit associated with Venus, the goddess of love, has frequently symbolized love and affection throughout cultures.
• Knowledge and Wisdom: In many stories and myths, such as the biblical tale of Adam and Eve, apples represent knowledge and the pursuit of enlightenment.
• Temptation and Sin: Stemming from its role in the story of the Garden of Eden, the apple symbolizes the lure of temptation and the concept of original sin in some religious contexts.
• Fertility and Abundance: Apples are often associated with fertility and abundance due to their plentiful harvest and the many seeds they contain, which represent new life and growth.
• Immortality and Eternal Life: In Norse and Greek mythology, apples are seen as providing immortality or eternal youth to those who eat it, like the gods of Asgard or Hesperides' golden apples.
• Health and Vitality: The saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" reflects the fruit's association with health and well-being, signifying a life full of vitality.