Origin: Europe.
Botanical characteristics: It is a small slender tree, whose branches are sometimes prickly. It has ovate or elliptical leaves with saw-like margins, have no down and have a long reddish petiole. The plant has five-petalled white or pink flowers, which are clustered in inflorescences of 3-7 flowers, having the shape of an umbrella. It blooms in May. It has yellow sour fruits with orange-red hues, 2-3 cm long.
Agronomic and environmental characteristics: It is widespread in the broadleaved sub-Mediterranean woodlands, that is why it is rarely cultivated. It can adapt to any type of soils but prefers the slightly acid ones.
Use: It is not used as an ornamental plant. It is used to reforest and restock the wildlife for its tasty fruits. It is used as a rootstock for the cultivation of Malus domestica.
