Chinese crab apple

The Chinese crab apple is not found in wild, and researchers think that it may originate from Northern China from crosses of Siberian crab with other apple species. The cultivars of this species are the only apples grown in Siberia and other lands with harsh climate. In Latvia, the Chinese crab was introduced in the 19^th century and used as apple rootstock. Large-fruited varieties on this rootstock soon perished, and now trees of Chinese crab-apple are often found in old orchards. The species may be easily recognized by the fruit calyx or eye - it is risen on a fleshy bump.