Chinese Apple
Malus prunifolia rinkii

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Malus prunifolia rinkii is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 8

Where it is found

Not known in a truly wild state.

E. Asia - northern China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. Bitter. Not at all bitter, it makes quite pleasant eating. Used fresh or in preserves etc. The fruit is about 3cm in diameter. Young leaves - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most fertile soils, preferring a moisture retentive well-drained loamy soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a sunny position but succeeds in partial shade though it fruits less well in such a situation. Cultivated for its edible fruit in China, there are many named varieties. This species is a famous fruit tree in N and NE China. Many cultivars have been bred during its long cultivation, the fruit of which differ in shape, color, size, and ripening period. It is also used in apple breeding programmes for its frost resistance. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The fruit is a good wildlife food source, especially for birds. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. It usually germinates in late winter. Stored seed requires stratification for 3 months at 1°c and should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is received. It might not germinate for 12 months or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. If given a rich compost they usually grow away quickly and can be large enough to plant out in late summer, though consider giving them some protection from the cold in their first winter. Otherwise, keep them in pots in a cold frame and plant them out in late spring of the following year. Cuttings of mature wood, November in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly also in their leaves, but not in their fruits. Hydrogen cyanide is the substance that gives almonds their characteristic taste but it should only be consumed in very small quantities. Apple seeds do not normally contain very high quantities of hydrogen cyanide but, even so, should not be consumed in very large quantities. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

M. matsumurae. Koidz. M. pumila rinki. M. ringo.