Peraphyllum
| Peraphyllum | |
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| Peraphyllum ramosissimum flowers (Copyright Al Schneider, www.swcoloradowildflowers.com) | |
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| Genus: | Peraphyllum
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| Species: | P.ramosissimum
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| 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
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.
- REDIRECT Wild Crab Apple