Paradise Apple
Malus domestica
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan
Wikimedia: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
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.