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Crab Apple "Gold Hornet" - Malus var. calocarpa
Family - Rosaceae
Parts of this plant are poisonous.
A small crab apple species growing to 8m (26ft) in height and spread, erect and open growth, popularly planted due to the profusion of small white flowers being a good source of pollen for other locally planted apple species. Profuse crop of small golden yellow fruit last well into early winter. Hardy, best in full sun but tolerates partial shade on clay and heavy soils, alkaline or acidic conditions, regarded as a good versatile "all rounder".
Apparently it was first produced by Waterer's Nursery in England in 1949, not far from Brickfields Park, the trees we have are old and gnarled, possibly only a few generations from the original production. Flowers are white 2cm (0.75in) across appearing in May, self fertile the bright yellow apples are excellent for jellies and wine.
FBCP do not advise or recommend that Crab Apple – Malus var. calocarpa is eaten or used as an herbal remedy. The fruit is edible both raw and cooked.
The seeds of all Apples are toxic. The seeds contain the chemical Amygdalin which is a cyanide based compound which decomposes to produce the poison Hydrogen Cyanide.
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