Crabapple variety named Sciorn

#The invention relates to a new and distinct variety of crabapple tree which was selected from a seedling population of Malus seiboldii in a rootstock breeding programme, Appleby Research Orchard, Nelson, New Zealand. The new variety is designated "Sciorn".

#The seed parent of the new variety is Malus seiboldii. The pollen parent is unknown.

#Accessions of Asiatiac Malus species were obtained from Japan. Accession No. 32 was obtained from the Morioka Research Station Japan. Accession No. 32 was Malus seiboldii. A considerable number of seedlings from this accession proceeded beyond primary disease screening for resistance to root rots. Over a period of 20 years several selections from Accession No. 32 were noted as having some ornamental potential. This evaluation was subjective. Sciorn was selected and registered on the basis of most potential. Sciorn was selected on the basis of tree form, regular flowering, freedom from powdery mildew disease, lack of severe disfigurement by apple scab (Venturia), and the spectacular characteristic of fruiting profusely on all aged wood with persistence of fruit until it is softened enough for birds to eat seeds in late winter or by abscision induced by bud break.

#The accompanying photograph shows as nearly true as it is reasonably possible to make the same in a colour illustration of this character typical specimens of fruit and flowers of the new variety.

#FIG. 1: shows typical specimens of the fruit of the variety of the tree.

#FIG. 2: shows typical specimens of the flowers of the variety.

#The specimens described in detail below were grown at Havelock North, New Zealand. The observations were made in 1984 to 1989 on trees which were three year to ten years old. The colours are according to the Pantone Colour Formula Guide 747XR.

#Tree: Medium vigour; drooping spreading habit; predominance of bearing on shoots; colour of Bark (mature) mid brown (464U).

#The oldest specimen is seven years old on its own roots. The vigor is weak to moderate. Approximately 30-40 cm of terminal growth was achieved in its seventh year. The height is 3.5 meters and the spread 3 meters. The shape of the tree is widely pyramid to round. There is no dominant leader. There are 4-5 steeply branched main limbs producing a small tree rather than a bush. It has an acrotonic growth habit to give a semi-weeping habit (i.e., the crotch angles of lateral branches of main stems are typically 30.degree. from the vertical). FIG. 4 shows a seven year old tree on its own roots in dormancy.