Malus

Malus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae that includes apples and crabapples. The trees and shrubs are deciduous and typically have simple, serrated leaves. They produce clusters of white to pink blossoms in spring, followed by fruit that is a type of pome. The genus contains numerous wild species as well as many cultivated varieties.

Taxonomy and diversity: Malus comprises a wide range of species, with Malus domestica being the principal cultivated apple. Other species include Malus sieversii, Malus sylvestris, and several wild crabapple species. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and occupies diverse habitats from woodlands to cultivated orchards. Cultivated apples arise from selective breeding and grafting of wild forms, resulting in a broad spectrum of fruit size, flavor, and storage properties.

Domestication and distribution: Apples were domesticated in Central Asia and spread via trade routes to Europe and the wider world. Today, Malus apples are grown in temperate climates worldwide, with orchards ranging from small family plots to large commercial plantations. Modern production emphasizes traits such as taste, texture, color, shelf life, and resistance to disease.

Uses and cultivation: Apples are consumed fresh and processed into juice, sauce, cider, and dried products. Cultivation commonly uses grafting onto rootstocks to control tree size and vigor and to improve hardiness. Pests and diseases affecting Malus include apple scab, fire blight, codling moth, and powdery mildew, with management relying on cultural practices, resistant cultivars, and integrated pest management.