Malus transitoria, the cut-leaf crabapple, is a species of flowering plant in the crabapple genus, Malus. It is native to China.
Description Malus transitoria is a deciduous tree growing to tall by wide. The deeply divided leaves turn yellow in autumn.
It produces abundant white flowers, and small yellow fruits 8 mm in diameter.
Taxonomy Varieties Varieties include: Malus transitoria var. centralasiatica Malus transitoria var. glabrescens Malus transitoria var. transitoria
These varieties are considered taxonomic synonyms by Plants of the World Online.
Etymology The Latin transitoria means "short-lived". The name "cut-leaf" refers to the shape of the leaves.
Uses Malus transitoria is cultivated as an ornamental tree, for its elegant shape, abundant white blossoms, and yellow fruits. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
It is also used as rootstock for other apples.
References