Tibetan crab apple
Malus transitoria
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 10 m tall. It is a broad spreading shape. The bark is purple-brown and cracks into smooth vertical rectangular plates. The leaves vary in shape. They are small and oblong. They are 2.5-7.5 cm long and can be 6 cm across. They are deeply divided into 3 lobes. The central lobe has a lobe on each side. There are sharp teeth. The leaves are bright green above and paler underneath. They are thinly hairy. The flowers are white and 2 cm across. They have 5 petals and occur in small clusters. The fruit are small and yellow. They are 8 mm across. They are slightly flattened. They are on slender red stalks.
There are about 35 Malus species and very many cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
It is native to N.W.China. It grows in woods and thickets. It grows between 1,500-3,900 m above sea level. It is resistant to drought and cold temperature. Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 5-10. In Sichuan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Tibet
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit