Ornamental Apples Grown In China

China has the most species of Malus and is considered to be one of them main evolutionary centers of the genus. Within the Chinese culture and especially inside the Royal Garden, ornamental apple trees are a sign of wealth and elegance, even within the more traditional gardens. Plants in the Malus genus have a long history of cultivation within China, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.).  This paper represents a compilation of the history, research, introduction, and production of ornamental apple cultivars within China.