So today’s photograph is brought to you by the budding crab apple tree in our backyard.

Crab apple is actually the general name for all other apples other than the ones found in the store (which are all just a variety of eating apples). All apple trees require cross pollination in order for fruit to be produced. The presence of bees and other pollinating insects are essential for the production of fruit by these trees.

The uses of the crab apple tree are numerous—the fruits are small, and depending on the type of tree planted can range from sweet to sour. I’ve forget which crab apple trees we have planted, but I know that my father is wanting to get enough fruit from them to try to make jam. The wood is also used for grilling, smoking, and cooking—as it burns hot and slow. The tree is also popular for those that bonsai as well.

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malus