Malus hupehensis | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Rosales |
Family: | Rosaceae |
Genus: | Malus |
Species: | M. hupehensis
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Binomial name | |
Malus hupehensis | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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Malus hupehensis, common names Chinese crab apple,[3] Hupeh crab[4] or tea crabapple, is a species of flowering plant in the apple genus Malus of the family Rosaceae.[1][5]
Malus hupehensis is a vigorous deciduous tree growing to 12 metres (39 feet) tall and broad.[citation needed]
It has pink buds, opening to fragrant white blossoms in spring. It produces bright red, cherry-sized crab-apples in the autumn.[7]
Malus is the ancient Latin name for apple trees.[8]
Hupehensis means 'from Hubei province, China'. 'Hubei' was formerly spelled 'Hupeh' or 'Hupei' in English.[8]
The plant is cultivated as an ornamental tree, for planting in gardens. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[9]