Crab Apple
Malus sylvestris
The Crab Apple is a small deciduous and sometimes thorny tree native to the British Isles which generally does not grow taller than 5 or 6m. The species name sylvestris which is derived from the Latin silva, meaning a wood, is typically given by botanists to native plants. The tree appears in mythological tales and in official documents from the Middle Ages dealing with natural features and boundary markers. The small apples it produces are hard textured and bitter tasting but have a relatively high pectin content, making them suitable for cooking into jams and jellies. There is a common belief that domestic apples have been selectively bred from Crab Apples but scientific research suggests that domestic apple breeds are derived from native Asian species of apples.
Situation
This little tree is common throughout New Forest woodlands and hedges and is one of a number of so called indicator plants of ancient woodland. This ubiquitous tree can even be found growing as a solitary specimen on the open heath.
Season/Life cycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| The small cherry flower like blossoms open pink or white from March | Small, green, oval shaped and set alternately on the twig | Plum sized apples. Hard textured and bitter tasting which ripen from late Summer onwards. |
Uses
Wood has been traditionally used for carving and burning as it has a distinctive almost sweet aroma. The tree supports numerous insects and birds.
