Origin
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.), also known as the Broad Fruit Crabapple, is a deciduous tree hybrid of the Rosaceae family. It is believed to be a cross between Malus baccata and Malus prunifolia and originated in China.
Common Names
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) has a variety of common names depending on the region, including broad fruit crabapple, large fruit crabapple, Chinese crabapple, and bigfruit crabapple.
Uses
The broad fruit crabapple has both ornamental and edible uses. Its ornamental value lies in its abundance of fragrant white or pink flowers in the spring and its bright red, yellow, or orange fruit in the fall. The fruit, which can reach up to 5cm in diameter, can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. The tree's wood is also used for making furniture and tools. In traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat constipation, abdominal pain, and fever.
General Appearance
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a rounded canopy and a straight trunk with smooth brown bark. The tree's leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and have a deep green color. Its flowers bloom in the spring, forming clusters of white or pink blossoms. The fruit, which ripens in the fall, is large and round with a thick skin that can range from bright red to yellow or orange.
Light Requirements
The plant Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended. Shaded areas may result in poor growth and suboptimal fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Mature Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) trees are frost-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -40°C. However, young trees are more susceptible to frost damage and require protection if temperatures fall below -10°C. The ideal temperature range for growth and fruit production is between 15°C and 35°C, with temperatures above 40°C being detrimental to growth.
Soil Requirements
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) grows best in well-drained soils with pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. Sandy or clay soils should be amended with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. The plant is tolerant to a wide range of soil textures but growth may be hindered in poorly drained or compacted soils.
Cultivation Methods
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.), commonly known as the broad-fruited crabapple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. The tree prefers full sunlight and well-draining soil. It is hardy and can tolerate both frosty and warm conditions. The tree prefers a neutral pH of 6.0-7.0. Plant the tree in nutrient-rich soil and add organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility. Ensure that the tree is spaced properly to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Watering Needs
The broad-fruited crabapple requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. The tree should be watered deeply to encourage deep root growth. Water the tree at the base and avoid watering the foliage. Watering should be reduced in the fall to encourage the tree to go dormant for the winter.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) is essential to maintain healthy growth. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer in the early spring when the tree begins to bud. Use a slow-release fertilizer to feed the tree gradually. Ensure that the fertilizer is spread evenly around the tree and avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to root burn.
Pruning
The broad-fruited crabapple requires pruning to maintain its shape and improve flowering and fruit production. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased wood and thin out overgrown branches. Avoid pruning too much, as this can damage the tree and reduce its vigor.
Propagation of Malus ×platycarpa Rehd.
Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. can be propagated through various traditional and modern methods. The following are the suitable propagation methods for Malus ×platycarpa Rehd.:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. can be collected from ripe fruits during autumn. The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until the next planting season. To improve the germination rate, seeds can be stratified for 30-60 days at 0-4 °C before planting. Afterwards, the seeds can be sown in a potting mix and kept in a warm and moist environment. Germination will take place within 3-6 weeks. Seed propagation is generally considered as a less reliable method because the offspring may show less desirable characteristics than the parent plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is a commonly used method for Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. because it allows faster propagation while retaining the characteristics of the parent plant. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from healthy and disease-free parent plants during the early summer season. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a humid and warm environment, preferably under a misting system. Rooting will occur within 6-8 weeks.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation is also a popular method for Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. because it allows rapid propagation of the desired cultivars and rootstocks. Whip and tongue, cleft, and bark grafting methods are commonly used for apple propagation. The scion should be collected during the winter season from healthy plants of the desired cultivar and rootstock should be collected from the seedlings of vigorous rootstocks. The scion should be grafted onto the rootstock and secured tightly with grafting tape. The plant should be kept under high humidity and a warm environment until the graft union has formed, after which the plant can be gradually exposed to normal environmental conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.)
As with any plant, Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Being aware of the common ones and knowing how to manage them can help to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect this plant is apple scab, a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, leaf yellowing, and fruit lesions. To manage apple scab, remove infected leaves and fruit, and spray with a fungicide. Another disease to watch out for is fire blight, a bacterial disease that can cause wilting and cankers. To manage fire blight, prune infected areas and avoid overhead watering.
Common Pests
Several pests can also affect Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.), including apple maggot, codling moth, and aphids. Apple maggot larvae can cause fruit damage, while codling moth will burrow into the fruit and cause it to fall from the tree. Aphids can cause leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage these pests, use insecticidal sprays, place pheromone traps to catch apple maggots and codling moths, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Overall, keeping an eye out for signs of disease and pest infestations and taking appropriate action can help to ensure the health and vitality of your Malus ×platycarpa Rehd. (pro sp.) plant.
