Malus hupehensis explained

Malus hupehensis, common names Chinese crab apple, Hupeh crab or tea crabapple, is a species of flowering plant in the apple genus Malus of the family Rosaceae.^[1]

It is native to China.^[2]

Description

Malus hupehensis is a vigorous deciduous tree growing to 12m (39feet) tall and broad.

It has pink buds, opening to fragrant white blossoms in spring. It produces bright red, cherry-sized crab-apples in the autumn.^[3]

Etymology

Malus is the ancient Latin name for apple trees.^[4]

Hupehensis means 'from Hubei province, China'. 'Hubei' was formerly spelled 'Hupeh' or 'Hupei' in English.

Uses

The plant is cultivated as an ornamental tree, for planting in gardens. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[5]

External links

• line drawing, Flora of China Illustrations vol. 9, fig. 77, 12-15

Notes and References

1. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/8106071#page/219/mode/1up Rehder, Alfred. 1933. Journal of the Arnold Arboretum 14(3): 207
2. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200010903 Flora of China, Malus hupehensis (Pampanini) Rehder, 1933. 湖北海棠 hu bei hai tang
3. Book: RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. 2008. Dorling Kindersley. United Kingdom. 978-1405332965. 1136.
4. Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. (hardback), (paperback). pp 205, 249
5. Web site: RHS Plant Selector - Malus hupehensis . 3 January 2021.