The apple tree (Malus pumila, commonly and erroneously called Malus domestica) is a deciduous tree in the rose family best known for its sweet, pomaceous fruit, the apple. It is cultivated worldwide as a fruit tree, and is the most widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree originated in Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, is still found today. The apple is adeciduous tree, generally standing 1.8 to 4.6 m (6 to 15 ft) tall in cultivation and up to 12 m (39 ft) in the wild.

When cultivated, the size, shape and branch density are determined by rootstock selection and trimming method. The leaves are alternately arranged dark green-colored simple ovals with serrated margins and slightly downy undersides.

Blossoms are produced in spring simultaneously with the budding of the leaves, and are produced on spurs and some long shoots. The 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 in) flowers are white with a pink tinge that gradually fades, five petaled, with an inflorescence consisting of a cyme with 4–6 flowers. The central flower of the inflorescence is called the "king bloom"; it opens first, and can develop a larger fruit.

The fruit matures in late summer or autumn, and cultivars exist with a wide range of sizes. Commercial growers aim to produce an apple that is 7.0 to 8.3 cm (2.75 to 3.25 in) in diameter, due to market preference. Some consumers, especially those in Japan, prefer a larger apple, while apples below 5.7 cm (2.25 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 although many bi- or tri-colored cultivars may be found. 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. The exocarp (flesh) is generally pale yellowish-white, though pink or yellow exocarps also occur.

Apple trees are large if grown from seed. Generally apple cultivars are propagated by grafting onto rootstocks, which control the size of the resulting tree. There are more than 7,500 known cultivars of apples, resulting in a range of desired characteristics. Different cultivars are bred for various tastes and uses, including cooking, eating raw and cider production. Trees and fruit are prone to a number of fungal, bacterial and pest problems, which can be controlled by a number of organic and non-organic means. In 2010, the fruit's genome was sequenced as part of research on disease control and selective breeding in apple production.

The most common types you may see are:

Red Delicious

This is the world’s favorite apple. The heart-shaped Red Delicious features a bright red and sometimes striped skin. Renowned for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1874

Place of Origin: Peru, Iowa

Parentage: Unknown, discovered as a chance seedling on the farm of Jesse Hiatt. Originally known as Hawkeye.

Gala

The Royal Gala strain was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who deemed it her favorite during a visit to New Zealand. This crisp, aromatically-sweet apple features pink-orange stripes atop a pretty yellow background.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1965

Place of Origin: New Zealand

Parentage: Cross of Kidd’s Orange and Golden Delicious apples

Fuji

The Fuji is a crunchy, super-sweet and flavor-forward apple, the Fuji can be enjoyed as an everyday snack as well as in pies, sauces, baking and more; makeing this one of the most versatile apples on the market.

History:
Introduction to Market: Originally developed in Japan in the late 1930s hit the market in 1962

Place of Origin: Japan

Parentage: Cross of Red Delicious and Ralls Janet apples

Granny Smith

This apple is tart! Known for its delicious tart flavor and pleasing crunch, the Granny Smith apple’s popularity comes as no surprise. This is the standard for green apples as it’s the major apple variety for of pie bakers. Granny Smiths are great in all kinds of recipes, such as salads, sauces, baking, freezing, makeing this one of the most versatile apples on the market also.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1868

Place of Origin: Australia

Parentage: Believed to be descended from French Crabapples cultivated by Australian grandmother Maria Ann Smith

Honeycrisp

The Honeycrisp apple is one of the newest on the market haveing only been around for less then 30 years. This apple is delicately crisp, sweet and juicy, the apple features a beautiful bright red skin mottled with pale green in a variegated pattern. Its complex flavor is subtly tart, and is a versatile ingredient for recipes ranging from sweet to savory.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1991

Place of Origin: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Parentage: Cross between a Keepsake apple and an unknown variety

Cripps Pink

This apple is named for its bright pink skin, this versatile apple is great for eating fresh out of hand as well as in salads, pies, sauces, baking, and freezing.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1985

Place of Origin: Australia

Parentage: Cross between Golden Delicious and Lady Williams

Golden Delicious

The Golden Delicious is a Sweet and mellow apple. This apple is a crisp apple and has a tender golden skin. Its flesh stays white after slicing for longer than other apple varieties.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1914

Place of Origin: Clay County, West Virginia

Parentage: Unknown, perhaps the chance seedling can be traced to Golden Reinette and Grimes Golden

MCINTOSH

This old, well-known variety was discovered as a chance seedling by John McIntosh in 1811. Its deep-red finish sometimes carries a green blush. Juicy, tangy, tart McIntosh has a tender, white flesh. This apple is typically available from September through May.

History:
Introduction to Market: 1811

Place of Origin:

Parentage: Unknown, discovered by chance

CRISPIN

The original name for this exceptional apple was Mutsu, reflecting its Japanese heritage. It was renamed Crispin in the late 1960s and has been gaining fans ever since. This apple is sweet, refreshing and super crisp. Available almost year round.

History:
Introduction to Market: