# Description

By [devona168](https://paragraph.com/@devona168) · 2021-10-29

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The apple is a [deciduous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deciduous) tree, generally standing 2 to 4.5 m (6 to 15 ft) tall in cultivation and up to 9 m (30 ft) in the wild. When cultivated, the size, shape and branch density are determined by [rootstock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rootstock) selection and trimming method. The leaves are [alternately arranged](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_arrangement) dark green-colored simple ovals with serrated margins and slightly downy undersides.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-app-5)

Apple blossom

[Blossoms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blossoms) are produced in [spring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_\(season\)) simultaneously with the budding of the leaves and are produced on spurs and some long [shoots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoot). The 3 to 4 cm (1 to 1+1⁄2 in) flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades, five [petaled](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petal), with an [inflorescence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflorescence) consisting of a [cyme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyme_\(botany\)) with 4–6 flowers. The central flower of the inflorescence is called the "king bloom"; it opens first and can develop a larger fruit.[\[5\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-app-5)[\[6\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-6)

The [fruit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit) is a [pome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pome) that matures in late [summer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer) or [autumn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn), and cultivars exist in a wide range of sizes. Commercial growers aim to produce an apple that is 7 to 8.5 cm (2+3⁄4 to 3+1⁄4 in) in diameter, due to market preference. Some consumers, especially those in [Japan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan), prefer a larger apple, while apples below 5.5 cm (2+1⁄4 in) are generally used for making juice and have little fresh market value. The skin of ripe apples is generally red, yellow, green, pink, or [russetted](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russetted), though many bi- or tri-colored cultivars may be found.[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-Janick-7) The skin may also be wholly or partly russeted i.e. rough and brown. The skin is covered in a protective layer of [epicuticular wax](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicuticular_wax).[\[8\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-8) The exocarp (flesh) is generally pale yellowish-white,[\[7\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple#cite_note-Janick-7) though pink or yellow exocarps also occur.

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*Originally published on [devona168](https://paragraph.com/@devona168/description)*