Honeycrisp Apples: History, Characteristics And Cultivation

Honeycrisp apples are classified as Malus domestica, a species within the Rosaceae family, which includes other pome fruits like pears, cherries, and plums. The genus Malus encompasses all domesticated apple cultivars, and Honeycrisp is a modern variety developed through controlled cross-breeding. Introduced by the University of Minnesota, its parentage includes Honeygold (a Golden Delicious cross) … Read more

Pink Lady Apples: History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Pink Lady apples are classified as Malus domestica, a species within the Rosaceae family, which includes other pome fruits like pears, cherries, and roses. The genus Malus encompasses all domesticated apple cultivars, and Pink Lady is a specific variety, officially named ‘Cripps Pink’ after its creator. It’s a hybrid resulting from a cross between Lady … Read more

Fuji Apple: History, Characteristics & Cultivation

The Fuji apple is classified as Malus domestica, a species within the Rosaceae family, which includes other pome fruits like pears, cherries, and roses. The genus Malus encompasses all domesticated apple cultivars, and Fuji is a specific variety developed through intentional cross-breeding rather than a wild species or hybrid genus. It’s a result of crossing … Read more

Ambrosia Apples: History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Ambrosia apples are classified as Malus domestica, a species within the Rosaceae family, which includes other pome fruits like pears, quinces, and roses. The genus Malus encompasses all apples, with M. domestica representing the domesticated cultivars grown worldwide. Ambrosia is a modern variety, not a hybrid species but a cultivar derived from natural cross-pollination. Its … Read more

Ugli Fruit: History, Characteristics & Cultivation

The Ugli fruit (Citrus reticulata × Citrus paradisi) is a hybrid citrus fruit that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is a cross between a tangerine (Citrus reticulata), an orange (Citrus sinensis), and a grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Genetically, it shares characteristics of all three, making it a distinctive member of the citrus genus (Citrus). Despite … Read more

Sapodilla (Chikoo): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Sapodilla, scientifically known as Manilkara zapota, belongs to the Sapotaceae family, a group of tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs that includes species like mamey sapote (Pouteria sapota) and shea (Vitellaria paradoxa). Within the plant kingdom (Plantae), it falls under the phylum Tracheophyta (vascular plants), class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons), and order Ericales. The genus Manilkara comprises … Read more

Boysenberry: History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Boysenberry is classified botanically as Rubus ursinus × Rubus idaeus, a hybrid within the Rosaceae family, which encompasses roses, apples, and other berries like raspberries and blackberries. It’s part of the genus Rubus, subgenus Rubus (formerly Eubatus), alongside species like Rubus fruticosus (blackberry) and Rubus idaeus (red raspberry). As a polyploid hybrid, it inherits traits … Read more

Starfruit (Carambola): History, Characteristics & Cultivation

Starfruit, scientifically known as Averrhoa carambola, belongs to the Oxalidaceae family, commonly referred to as the wood sorrel family. This family includes other notable species like Averrhoa bilimbi (bilimbi or tree cucumber) and various herbaceous sorrels (Oxalis spp.). Within the plant kingdom (Plantae), it falls under the phylum Tracheophyta (vascular plants), class Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons), and … Read more

25 Types of Loquats – Identification Guide

Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica) are subtropical evergreen fruits native to southeastern China, where they’ve been cultivated for over 2,000 years. Belonging to the rose family, they spread across Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Americas, thriving in mild, frost-free climates. The trees are prized not only for their fruit but also for their ornamental value, with glossy … Read more

36 Types of Pears With Pictures – Identification Guide

Pears are cherished fruits grown on trees within the Pyrus genus, part of the rose family, and have been enjoyed for thousands of years across temperate regions. Native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, they thrive in climates with cool winters and warm summers, producing fruits that range from small and round to large and … Read more