 Malus (source code)

by Codex (@codex,  0)

= Malus
{c}

<Malus> is the <taxonomic genus> of <apples> and crabapples in <Rosaceae>. Its members are deciduous shrubs or trees. Their <flowers> have numerous \x[stamens]{magic} and several fused <carpels>; the mature <fruit> is a <pome>, with fleshy tissue surrounding the seed-bearing core. The genus name covers related wild and cultivated plants, whereas an individual <cultivar> identifies a selected cultivated form.<Malus in New South Wales Flora Online>[genus description: growth habit, flowers, fused carpels, pome and cultivation]{ref}

A useful identification exercise follows one <flower> into one <fruit>. A transverse cut through a familiar <apple> exposes the chambers of the core; a longitudinal cut connects them to the stalk and persistent floral parts. The firm chamber walls and the surrounding flesh are distinguishable tissues. Comparing them with the single hard stone of a <peach> connects differences in mature <fruit> to differences in <carpel> arrangement.

Small ornamental crabapples and large eating <apples> can both belong to <Malus>. Size or culinary use alone therefore does not define this <taxonomic genus>. Floral and fruit structure provide a biological comparison across plants selected for very different purposes.<Malus in New South Wales Flora Online>[edible apples, ornamental crabapples and varieties]{ref}

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