Upright crabapple, Pillar apple
Malus tschonoskii
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 9-15 m high. It is a broad cone shape. The bark is purple-brown and smooth. It becomes cracked and rough with age. The leaves are broadly oval. They are 12 cm long by 7.5 cm wide. They are pointed and have sharp teeth. They are grey and hairy but become smooth and glossy above. They remain thinly hairy underneath. The leaves turn red, orange, yellow and purple in autumn. The flowers are white with a pink flush. They are 3 cm across. There are 5 petals and yellow anthers. The fruit are yellow-green flushed with red. They are 3 cm across and speckled with lenticels.
There are about 35 Malus species and very many cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to Japan. It grows on shallow rocky soils in woods. It will grow on most good garden soils and needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Burnie Rhodo Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Japan (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings or by layering.