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Tropical Apple/Pear Relatives

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Galatians522:
Is anyone out there growing tropical apple relatives such as Assam Apple (Docynia indica) or Taiwan Crabapple (Malus doumeri var formosana)?

My curiosity was pricked by a video from Jan Dolin showing a Granny Smith apple fruiting (somewhat sparsely) in her central Florida yard. If the tree had been larger, the yield would not have been that bad. It made me think that the dwarfing rootstocks used for most apples are not good for Florida.

That reminded me of some reading I had done in the past. Apparently, Assam Apple is quite graft compatible with Quince and pear and is an evergreen native to tropical and sub tropical India. Taiwan Crabapple is native to subtropical southern China and tropical Vietnam (where it is reported to grow with coffee and citrus). John Fairey gardens apparently has a specimine in Texas that is quite at home.

roblack:
Curious as well.

Just received a box of Granny Smiths and Honey Crisps from WA. Crispy and delicious. So much better than grocery store.

SplorKeLZ:
Interesting, i wonder how they taste?

I always take our WA apples for granted lol :)

Galatians522:

--- Quote from: SplorKeLZ on January 14, 2025, 09:14:53 PM ---Interesting, i wonder how they taste?

I always take our WA apples for granted lol :)

--- End quote ---

Not that great fresh from what I understand due to some astringency. They would probably taste fine in a crabapple jelly or pickle recipes. Use as a rootstock and in hybridization with cultuvated apple would be the main interest.

However, I have never tasted either. So, I may be wrong. Hopefully, someone who has experience can comment.

RS:
Galatians, you may already know about Stone River Nursery in Orlando who's growing and experimenting with lots of different apples, an overview is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-G7QymgJqM. I saw another video last year about rootstock/grafting/interstock/etc that he's using but can't remember the details.

It was exciting to see apples fruiting in central FL! Jan Doolin's videos are great too.

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