COMMON APPLE

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Malus domestica

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Description:

The apple tree is a small and deciduous tree. It generally reaches 3 to 12 metres tall, with a broad, often densely twiggy crown. The leaves are alternately arranged simple ovals 5 to 12 cm long and 3 to 6 cm    broad. The grow on a 2 to 5 cm petiole, which is the is the small stalk attaching the leaf blade to the stem. They have an acute tip, serrated margin and a slightly downy underside. Blossoms are produced in spring simultaneously with the budding of the leaves. The five petalled flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades. Flowers are 2.5 to 3.5 centimetres in diameter.

Fruit:

Apples are crisp, white-fleshed fruits with red, yellow or green skin. They range in taste from moderately sweet and refreshing to pleasantly tart depending on the variety. The apple is a member of the rose family, with a compartmentalized core that classifies it as a pome fruit. The fruit matures in autumn, and is typically 5 to 9 cm diameter. The centre of the fruit contains five carpels arranged in a five- point star, each carpel containing one to three seeds.