Crabapple

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Crabapple (Malus)

Crabapple (pronounced: /ˈkrabˌapəl/), also known as wild apple, is a genus of about 30–55 species of small deciduous apple trees or shrubs in the family Rosaceae, including the domesticated orchard apple (M. domestica). The other species are generally known as crabapples, crab apples, or wild apples.

Etymology

The term "crabapple" comes from the Old English word "scræppæppla", a compound of "scræp" (scrub, shrub) and "æppla" (apple). The term was later shortened to "crabapple". The genus name, Malus, is derived from the Latin word for apple.

Description

Crabapples are distinguished by their small, often brightly colored and aromatic fruits. They are native to the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

Culinary Use

Crabapples are often used as rootstocks for domestic apple trees to add drought resistance. The fruits are not an important crop in most areas, being extremely sour and (in some species) woody, but are used for cider making, jam and jelly, and sometimes eaten raw.

Medicinal Use

In traditional medicine, crabapple has been used as a remedy for diarrhea and dysentery. It is rich in pectin, which is beneficial for gut health.

Related Terms

External links

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