The apple is a small tree that can reach 25 feet in height with a crown spread of 25 feet (The Natioanl Arbor Day Foundation Website). The leaves are simple, oval in shape, have small serrations along the margin, and are arranged alternately along the branches. A typical leaf is 2 – 5 inches long, 1.5 – 2.5 inches wide, and has an acuminate tip (Petrides 1972). The twigs, buds, and undersides of the leaves usually have white pubescence. The bark is brown and scaly and mature trees in the park can have a trunk diameter of up to 24 inches. Showy, white, five petaled blossoms, often tinged with pink, are found on the tree in late spring. The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects. The pomaceous fruits mature through the summer and become ripe and ready to eat in the fall. Ripe apples range in color from green to yellow to red or a mixture of these colors.
==Common Names==
The '''apple''' (''Malus domestica'') is a [[fruit]] that is cultivated worldwide and is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is a member of the [[Rosaceae]] family and is known for its sweet taste and crisp texture. Apples are consumed in various forms, including fresh, as [[apple juice]], and in a variety of culinary dishes.
Names for this tree species include the apple, common apple, and paradise apple. The accepted scientific name is ''Malus pumila'', but is also referred to as ''Malus domestica'', ''Malus sylvestris'', ''Malus communis'', and ''Pyrus malus'' (ITIS website). This extensive crossing of genetic lines has made it very difficult to differentiate the apple into taxonomically distinct species. Thus, there is much debate in the botanical world over species separation and inclusion. Apple trees, one of the first fruit trees in human history to be domesticated, have been specifically cultivated to produce edible fruits. Fruits with the best taste, color, size, or storage capacity have been favored and selected for over time. Different lines of ''Malus pumila'' have been purposely crossed to produce new, more desirable varieties of apple. Apple trees in the park may have very different genetic histories and thus produce fruits with distinctive color, size, or taste.
==Habitat==
==Description==
Not a native plant species to , the ancestral apple tree can be traced back to the mountainous region of central (Wikipedia website). From here, cultivated apple trees slowly made their way west through to and eventually on to with the European settlers.
Today, apple trees can be found growing throughout the park at elevations up to 3700’. They require well drained nutrient rich soil and moderate sunlight. When in bloom in the spring or heavy with fruit in the fall, apple trees stand out from other trees in the forest. Many locations along including Skyland, Loft Mtn. Campground, Limberlost, Spitler Knoll Overlook, and many other overlooks contain apple trees.
Apples are typically round in shape and can vary in size and color, ranging from red to green to yellow. The skin of the apple is thin but protective, while the flesh inside is juicy and can be sweet or tart depending on the variety.
== Facts about apples ==
[[File:Apples,_Mainz-Finthen.jpg|thumb|left|A variety of apples]]
* Are you aware that one apple has 5 grams of fiber, which provides 20% of the daily fiber recommendation?
* Are you aware that that apples are in the rose family?
==Cultivation==
* Are you aware that that in one year, an apple tree produces enough apples to fill 20 each, 42 pound cases, of apples? (One tree produces 840 lbs. of apples per year!)
* Are you aware that there are many different varieties of apples? (Braeburn, Golden & Red Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, Rome Beauty,
Apples are grown in temperate climates and require a period of dormancy in winter to produce fruit. They are propagated by [[grafting]] to maintain the desired characteristics of the cultivar. The apple tree blooms in spring, and the fruit is typically harvested in late summer to early autumn.
* Are you aware that apples float because 25% of their volume is air?
==Varieties==
* Are you aware that there are over 7,000 varieties of apples grown throughout the world?
* Are you aware that apples can be red, green or even yellow in color?
There are thousands of apple varieties, each with unique flavors, textures, and uses. Some popular varieties include [[Granny Smith]], [[Fuji]], [[Gala]], and [[Honeycrisp]]. Each variety has its own ideal use, whether for eating fresh, baking, or making cider.
<gallery>
File:Delicious foods made with apples 01.JPG|alt=Delicious foods made with apple|Delicious foods made with apple
[[File:Pink_lady_and_cross_section.jpg|thumb|A Pink Lady apple and its cross-section]]
File:Apples, Mainz-Finthen.jpg|alt=Apples|Apples
File:Carthy Circle Salad with Heirloom Apples.jpg|alt=Salad with hairloom apples|Salad with hairloom apples
==Uses==
File:Apple juice with 3apples-JD.jpg|alt=Apple juice|Apple juice
File:Winter apples 3.jpg|alt=Winter apples|Winter apples
Apples are versatile fruits used in many culinary applications. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Apples are a key ingredient in many desserts, such as [[apple pie]], [[apple crumble]], and [[apple sauce]]. They are also used in savory dishes and salads.
</gallery>
{{Food infobox
[[File:Delicious_foods_made_with_apples_01.JPG|thumb|Delicious foods made with apples]]
|class = Survey
|description = Apple, raw
==Nutritional Value==
|protein = 0.26
|fat = 0.17
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. They are low in calories and contain no fat or cholesterol. The consumption of apples has been associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of certain diseases.
|carbs = 13.81
|energy = 52
==Cultural Significance==
|sugars = 10.39
|fiber = 2.4
Apples have significant cultural and symbolic meanings in many societies. They are often associated with health, as in the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples also appear in various myths and legends, such as the story of [[Adam and Eve]] in the [[Bible]].
|calcium = 6
|iron = 0.12
[[File:Apple_juice_with_3apples-JD.jpg|thumb|left|Apple juice with apples]]
The apple (Malus domestica) is a fruit that is cultivated worldwide and is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is a member of the Rosaceae family and is known for its sweet taste and crisp texture. Apples are consumed in various forms, including fresh, as apple juice, and in a variety of culinary dishes.
Apples are typically round in shape and can vary in size and color, ranging from red to green to yellow. The skin of the apple is thin but protective, while the flesh inside is juicy and can be sweet or tart depending on the variety.
Apples are grown in temperate climates and require a period of dormancy in winter to produce fruit. They are propagated by grafting to maintain the desired characteristics of the cultivar. The apple tree blooms in spring, and the fruit is typically harvested in late summer to early autumn.
There are thousands of apple varieties, each with unique flavors, textures, and uses. Some popular varieties include Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp. Each variety has its own ideal use, whether for eating fresh, baking, or making cider.
Apples are versatile fruits used in many culinary applications. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Apples are a key ingredient in many desserts, such as apple pie, apple crumble, and apple sauce. They are also used in savory dishes and salads.
Apples are a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. They are low in calories and contain no fat or cholesterol. The consumption of apples has been associated with various health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of certain diseases.
Apples have significant cultural and symbolic meanings in many societies. They are often associated with health, as in the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples also appear in various myths and legends, such as the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible.
