Chinese apple, Nunggum
Malus asiatica

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 4-6 m high. The young branches are stout and hairy. The leaves are narrowly oval and 5-11 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. There are fine teeth along the edge. They are densely hairy underneath. The flowers are pink and 3-4 cm across. The fruit are a flattened round shape. They are 4-5 cm across. They are yellow with a tinge of red. There are many cultivars.

There are about 35 Malus species and very many cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In China it grows on open slopes and sandy soils between sea level and 2,800 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Indochina, Korea, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh and used for wine.

Fruit are sold in markets. It is a cultivated food plant. It is important in north China.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Hua hong, Le

Synonyms

Malus prunifolia var. rinkii (Koidz.) Rehder; Malus ringo Siebold ex Carriere; Pyrus ringo Wenz.