Peraphyllum

Peraphyllum
Peraphyllum ramosissimum flowers (Copyright Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Peraphyllum
Species:	P.ramosissimum
Binomial name
Peraphyllum ramosissimum

This tree is of the plant family Rosaceae. Commonly known as the Squaw Apple or Wild Crab Apple, P.ramosissimum is the only known species of the genus Peraphyllum. The fruits of this tree are called pomes, which are similar to other fruits such as the apple, pear, and loquat.

The squaw apple is endemic to California usually growing in pine and juniper woodlands. Some specific dwelling areas of California include the High Cascades, High Sierra Nevadas, and Great Basin. Translated from Greek, the genus name (Peraphyllum) means "very leafy" and the species name (ramosissimum) means "many branches" <The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California>.

Morphology

File:Squaw apple.jpg

Peraphyllum: The fruit of the squaw apple is reddish-yellowish in colour and about 8-10 mm in diameter. The leaves are one times compound and oblanceolate in shape.(Copyright Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com)

Like most other flowering plants of the family rosaceae, P.ramosissimum has 5 petals and 5 sepals with radial symmetry. The squaw apple's blossoms (flowers) have about 15-20 stamens, which are considered free. The petals are white to rose in color. Its gynoecium is comprised of one inferior ovary with 4-6 chambers. Its single pistil has usually 2, sometimes 3, styles <The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California>.

The squaw apple has one time compund leaves having about 3-5 oblanceolate leaves per petiole.

1. REDIRECT Wild Crab Apple