Paradise Apple

Malus domestica

Native to:
Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Malus
Species:
Malus domestica
USDA Symbol:
MAPU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
900 cm
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white, pink
Food Forest:
Contains edible parts

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Automeris zephyria, Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana), Elegant sphinx (Sphinx perelegans), Io moth (Automeris io), Modest Sphinx (Pachysphinx modesta)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble bee (Bombus melanopygus), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees, butterflies, small mammals
Fragrant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification; germination can be erratic. Light not required for germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI