amsib

Malus ioensis x M. siberica (aka M. baccata), Niels Hansen, South Dakota, 1932. Amsib is an unusual cross of two species rarely found in breeding programs. Malus ionesis is the native North America Prairie Crab and Malus siberica/baccata is the Siberian Crab. The name is a combination of the two locations. Niels Hansen was a true Malus innovator who bred a large number of unusual apples as well as most of the best known of the so-called “Hybrid” plums. Hansen is also credited as one of those responsible for discovery of the famous red-fleshed Niedzwetzkyana.

Amsib fruit is Chestnut Crab-sized (2”), roundish-ovate, sometimes oblate in shape, obscurely ribbed, with a long 1 1/2” stem, and a large, translucent, brownish-olive cavity area. The greasy skin is vibrant, electric-red-blushed, and overlaid with darker red stripes resembling Fameuse. The flesh is juicy with a mild cherry flavor, a bitter finish and limited astringency. The tree is plenty hardy in central Maine and would likely do well in zone 3 or perhaps even zone 2. We think highly of the fruit as having potential in cider or cooking. We obtained our scionwood from the Geneva NY (PI 127686). Currently growing at Super Chilly Farm.