Malinae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malinae |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Malus sikkimensis fruit | |
Scientific classification  |
|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Subfamily: | Amygdaloideae |
| Tribe: | Maleae |
| Subtribe: | Malinae Reveal |
| Genera | |
|
See text |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Malinae is a special group of plants that belongs to the Rosaceae family, also known as the rose family. Within this big family, Malinae is a smaller group called a "subtribe." Think of it like a specific team within a larger sports club.
Plants in the Malinae subtribe are famous for growing a type of fruit called a pome. Some of the most well-known plants in this group are Malus (which gives us apples) and Mespilus (which gives us medlars). These plants are important because they provide us with many delicious and healthy fruits!
Contents
What are Malinae Plants?
Malinae is a scientific grouping of plants. It's part of the Maleae tribe, which is then part of the huge Rosaceae family. This family includes many plants, from tiny roses to large fruit trees. Scientists use these groups to organize and understand the relationships between different plants.
Fruits Called Pomes
A pome is a special kind of fruit that grows from the flower's ovary and some surrounding tissue. Unlike berries or stone fruits, the fleshy part of a pome is not just the ovary wall. Instead, it's mostly made from the flower's receptacle, which is the part that holds the flower.
The seeds of a pome are usually found in a core in the center of the fruit. When you eat an apple, the part you usually throw away, which contains the seeds, is the core. That's a perfect example of a pome fruit!
Famous Members of the Malinae Family
Many of the fruits we eat every day come from plants in the Malinae subtribe. They are grown all over the world and are a big part of our food supply.
Apples
Apples are perhaps the most famous members of the Malinae group. They come from trees in the Malus genus. There are thousands of different types, or "cultivars," of apples, each with its own unique taste, color, and texture. Apples are grown in many countries and are enjoyed fresh, in juices, pies, and sauces. They are a very important crop for farmers.
Pears
Pears are another popular fruit from the Malinae subtribe, belonging to the Pyrus genus. Like apples, pears have a distinct core with seeds. They are known for their sweet, juicy flesh and come in many shapes and sizes. Pears can be eaten fresh, canned, or used in cooking.
Medlars and Quinces
Medlars (from the Mespilus genus) are less common than apples or pears but are also part of Malinae. They are unique because they are often eaten when they are very soft, almost overripe. Quinces (from the Cydonia genus) are another interesting pome fruit. They look a bit like a fuzzy apple or pear and are usually cooked before eating, often used in jams or jellies because of their strong flavor.
Life Cycle of Malinae Plants
Most Malinae plants are trees or shrubs. They typically grow from seeds, though many are also grown from cuttings or by grafting (joining parts of two plants together). In spring, these plants produce beautiful flowers. These flowers are pollinated, often by insects like bees, which helps them develop into fruits.
The fruits grow and ripen over the summer and fall. Once ripe, they can be harvested. The seeds inside the fruit can then be planted to grow new plants, continuing the life cycle. Many Malinae plants are perennial, meaning they live for many years and produce fruit season after season.
