Malus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Malus – Apples and Crabapples

Malus floribunda (Japanese crabapple)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Subfamily:	Amygdaloideae
Tribe:	Maleae
Subtribe:	Malinae
Genus:	Malus

Malus sikkimensis fruit on the tree.

Winter Red Flesh, an edible crab variety producing intense red jelly

Crabapple fruit are mostly red, but some, such as this cultivar 'Golden Hornet', are yellow

Ripe crabapple fruit

Malus is the scientific name for a group of small deciduous trees and shrubs. These plants are commonly known as apples and crabapples. They belong to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses and strawberries.

There are about 30 to 55 different kinds, or species, of Malus. One of the most famous is the orchard apple, which is the kind we usually eat. Other types are often called "wild apples" or "crabapples."

These trees grow naturally in the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. This means you can find them in places like Europe, Asia, and North America.

Malus trees are usually small, growing to be about 4 to 12 meters (13 to 39 feet) tall. Their leaves are 3 to 10 centimeters (1 to 4 inches) long. They have a simple shape with edges that look like saw teeth.

Flowers and Pollination
What Are Crabapples Used For?
Images for kids
See also

Flowers and Pollination

The beautiful flowers of Malus trees grow in clusters called corymbs. Each flower has five petals, which can be white, pink, or red. They also have red stamens, which are the parts that make lots of pollen.

Below the petals and stamens is the ovary, where seeds will form. Malus trees bloom in the spring. Their pollination happens with the help of insects, especially bees. Bees love to visit these flowers to collect both nectar (a sweet liquid) and pollen.

What Are Crabapples Used For?

Crabapples are not usually eaten raw because they can be very sour. Some kinds are also quite hard and woody. However, they are still very useful!

Food Products from Crabapples

Crabapples are a great source of pectin. Pectin is a natural substance that helps jelly set. Their juice can be made into a beautiful ruby-colored jelly. Some types of crabapples also make tasty applesauce.

Growing Crabapple Trees

Many people grow crabapple trees just because they are so pretty. They are loved for their lovely flowers in spring and their colorful fruit in fall. There are special kinds, called cultivars, that have been chosen for their beauty or for being strong against diseases.

Helping Other Apple Trees Grow

Crabapples are also used to help domestic apple trees. Sometimes, they are used as rootstocks. This means the top part of an eating apple tree is joined to the roots of a crabapple tree. This can help the eating apple tree grow better in cold or dry places.

Crabapple trees are also planted in apple orchards to help with pollination. Farmers choose crabapple types that bloom at the same time as their main apple trees. They might plant a crabapple tree every six or seven trees. Sometimes, a branch from a crabapple tree is even grafted onto an eating apple tree. This helps make sure the eating apple trees get pollinated and produce lots of fruit.

Crabapples in Bonsai

Because of their many blossoms and small fruit, crabapples are popular for bonsai. Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in containers. Even though the trees are kept small, they still produce many fruits. To keep the bonsai tree healthy, it's important to thin out some of the fruit. This stops the tree from getting too stressed.

Apple Wood for Fires

Apple wood is known for making a wonderful firewood. It has a lovely smell when it burns. The smoke from an apple wood fire can also give a great flavor to smoked foods, like Applewood cheese.