Malus angustifolia explained

Malus angustifolia, or southern crabapple,^[1] is a species of crabapple native to the eastern and south-central United States.

Description

M. angustifolia is a tree sometimes attaining a height of 10 meters (33 feet). The trunk can have a diameter up to 25sp=usNaNsp=us. The flowers are pink, with a pleasant scent. The fruits are up to 3cm (01inches) in diameter, and have an aromatic scent and a pear-like shape.

Taxonomy

The following two varieties are known:

• Malus angustifolia var. angustifolia
• Malus angustifolia var. puberula (Rehder) Rehder

Distribution and habitat

The species can be found from Florida west to eastern Texas and north to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Missouri.^[2]

Ecology

The fruits are eaten by various wildlife.^[3]

Uses

Although the fruits are astringent, acidic, and unpalatable when raw, they can be used to make jellies, jams, and food preserves.^{[4] [5]}

The tree is grown as an ornamental plant.

External links

• Carolina Nature
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas
• Louisiana Plant Identification
• Leafsnap.com: Images of the Southern Crabapple (Malus angustifolia)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Search results for: Malus . September 11, 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100404011219/http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/nph-ind.cgi?name=Malus&f=d&gl=1&p=1 . April 4, 2010 .
2. http://bonap.net/MapGallery/County/Malus%20angustifolia.png Biota of North America Program, 2014 county distribution map
3. Book: Little, Elbert L. . The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region . Knopf . 1980 . 0-394-50760-6 . New York . 489.
4. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242416817 Flora of North America, Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michaux, 1803. Southern or narrow-leaved crabapple
5. http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Malus+angustifolia Malus angustifolia