The apple
is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the
rose family Rosaceae. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits. The
tree is small and deciduous, reaching 5–12 m tall, with a broad, often densely
twiggy crown. The leaves are alternately arranged simple ovals 5–12 cm long and
3–6 cm broad on a 2–5 cm petiole with an acute tip, serrated margin and a
slightly downy underside. Flowers are produced in spring simultaneous with the
budding of the leaves. The flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually
fades, five petaled, 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter. The fruit matures in autumn, and is
typically 5–9 cm diameter. The centre of the fruit contains five carpels
arranged in a five-point star, each carpel containing one to three seeds.