Malus baccata

Malus baccata belongs to the family of rose plants (rosaceae). This species is native to the cooler regions of Asia, especially in Siberia, Mongolia, China, Korea and Japan. Malus baccata is valued as an ornamental plant due to its cold tolerance, its importance for the breeding of fruit and its use.

Morphology

Malus baccata is a medium -sized deciduous tree that can reach a height of about 10 to 15 meters. The tree has an expansive, often irregular crown that gives it a natural and wild appearance. The bark is dark brown to gray -brown and scaly, with older trees often showing deep cracks and furrows in the bark.

The leaves are alternately arranged, oval to elliptical shaped and about 5 to 8 centimeters long. You have a shiny green surface while the underside is a bit brighter. In autumn, the leaves turn in various yellow and red tones, which gives the tree a high decorative value this season.

The flowers of Malus baccata appear in dense in spring, typically in April to May. They are small, white to slightly pink colored and have a diameter of about 2 to 3 centimeters. Each flower consists of five petals and is very fragrant, which makes it an attraction for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The fruits of Malus baccata are small, spherical apples that have a diameter of about 1 to 2 centimeters with ripe. They are mostly red, yellow or less common green and have a crunchy but rather acid to tart pulp. Despite their small size and acid taste, the fruits are edible and are often consumed by birds that contribute to the spread of the seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Malus baccata is widespread in the cool, moderate to vilectic regions of Asia. The species occurs naturally in Siberia, Mongolia, North China, Korea and Japan. It grows in various habitats, from river valleys and mountain forests to open clearings and forest edges. Malus baccata thrives particularly well on well -permeable, slightly acidic to neutral floors. It is adapted to extremely cold winter and can withstand temperatures of up to -40 ° C, which makes it one of the most resistant types of genus malus.

Due to their cold tolerance and resistance to frost and diseases, Malus baccata is often used as a base for cultivated apple varieties, especially in regions with extreme climate conditions. This species is also an important genetic resource in the breeding of frost -resistant apple varieties.

Ecology and reproduction

Malus baccata plays an important role in the ecosystems in which it occurs. The flowers offer a valuable source of food for pollinators in spring, while the fruits offer food many bird species and small mammals in autumn and winter. The seeds are spread by these animals, which contributes to the natural rejuvenation of the species.

The reproduction is mainly via seeds that germinate after the distribution. Malus baccata's seeds need a cold period (stratification) to successfully germinate, which is an adaptation to the cold winter in their natural distribution area. Vegetative propagation, for example through root sprouts, rarely occurs, but can be used in culture.

Meaning and use

Malus baccata has an important role in both the wilderness and cultivation. Due to their frost hardness and resistance to diseases, the species is often used as a base for refined apple varieties, especially in regions with hard winters. It is also important in hybridization, since it can bring genes for cold tolerance and disease resistance into new apple varieties.

In addition, Malus baccata is estimated as an ornamental tree, especially in parks and gardens, where it is planted because of its attractive flowers and autumn color. The small, bright colored fruits often stay on the tree for a long time and also offer a decorative sight in winter.