Malus angustifolia

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Malus angustifolia
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Malus
Species:
M. angustifolia
Binomial name
Malus angustifolia
(Aiton) Michx. 1803 not Rehder 1940
Malus angustifolia range map.jpg
Natural range
Synonyms [2]
  • Pyrus angustifoliaAiton 1789
  • Malus coronaria var. puberula Rehder
  • Pyrus angustifolia var. puberula (Rehder) L.H.Bailey
  • Pyrus angustifolia var. spinosa (Rehder) L.H.Bailey

Malus angustifolia, or southern crabapple, [3] is a species of crabapple native to the eastern and south-central United States.

Contents

Description

M. angustifolia is a tree sometimes attaining a height of 10 meters (33 feet). The trunk can have a diameter up to 25 centimeters (10 inches). The flowers are pink, with a pleasant scent. The fruits are up to 3 cm (1+14 in) in diameter, and have an aromatic scent and a pear-like shape. [4] [5]

Taxonomy

The following two varieties are known: [2]

Distribution and habitat

The species can be found from Florida west to eastern Texas and north to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Missouri. [6]

M. angustifolia prefers habitats that are moist but well-drained. For inflorescence to occur, full sunlight is required. [7] The species has been observed in habitat types such as dry hammocks, xeric flatwoods, mesic woodlands, floodplains, and pine woods. [8] [9]

Ecology

The fruits are eaten by various wildlife. [10]

Uses

Although the fruits are astringent, acidic, and unpalatable when raw, they can be used to make jellies, jams, and food preserves. [4] [5]

The tree is grown as an ornamental plant.[ citation needed ]

References

  1. IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group.; Botanic Gardens Conservation International; et al. (BGCI) (2020). "Malus angustifolia". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T64134490A152906529. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T64134490A152906529.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 The Plant List, Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michx.
  3. "Search results for: Malus". Archived from the original on April 4, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2009.
  4. 1 2 Flora of North America, Malus angustifolia (Aiton) Michaux, 1803. Southern or narrow-leaved crabapple
  5. 1 2 Malus angustifolia at Plants for a Future
  6. Biota of North America Program, 2014 county distribution map
  7. "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2025-08-08.
  8. Weakley, A.S. 2020. Flora of the Southeastern United States. Edition of 20 October 2020. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
  9. Florida State University Robert K. Godfrey Herbarium database. URL: http://herbarium.bio.fsu.edu. Last accessed: June 2018. Collectors: Loran C. Anderson, R.K. Godfrey, Patricia Elliot, John C. Ogden, R L Lazor, L R Fox, K Craddock Burks, Gary R Knight, R A Norris, M R Darst, R Komarek, H Roth, M Jenkins, Elmar C Prichard. States and counties: Florida (Wakulla, Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, Washington), Georgia (Thomas, Grady), North Carolina (Cumberland).
  10. Little, Elbert L. (1980). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Trees: Eastern Region. New York: Knopf. p. 489. ISBN   0-394-50760-6.