Crab Apple

Crab Apple ~ John Downie

The young crab apple, that was planted by NGAG Volunteers with the help of Islington Urban Foresters at the Tree O'Clock Tree Planting event in 2009, is in bloom! The blossom with its delicate pink buds and white flowers has been attracting bees and hoverflies and the tree has also been creating a lovely focal point on the Eastern (school) side of Newington Green.

The photo shows the open shape of the flowers. This simple shape makes the stamens accessible to a number of insects. The pollen is much sought after as it as an important food source for bees, for instance. As they collect the pollen, they also distribute some amongst the flowers, pollinating them at the same time - a win-win situation for both insects and the plant.

Later in the year, crab apples will develop on the tree and these will feed several species of birds: Blackbirds, Fieldfares, redwings and mistle thrushes all eat the fruit and have been recorded in the Newington Green area. If there are any crab apples left over, they are also able to be used by us - crab apples make tasty jelly!

April 2010