Botany: an apple tree with no apples?
Self-tutoring about tree identification: the tutor mentions an apple tree he saw.
The following is by my understanding.
I was out walking in the neighbourhood and discovered a patch of marginal ground, perhaps one hundred square metres, with a surprising variety of plants and trees. All were ornamental-sized, except one tree that was much larger, which I decided was an apple tree.
Yet, said tree seems not to have any apples on it. One might wonder how, in August, such could be true. Nonetheless, I believe it can be true, from a couple of possible causes working in concert.
This tree, based on its large size, the state of its bark, and the way it’s branched, must be quite old. It’s my impression that apple trees reach a peak period of fruiting within their first few decades; said tree appears older.
The other reason an apple tree might bear virtually no apples in a given year is biennial bearing, meaning the tree will produce a heavy crop one year, then perhaps almost none the alternate year.
So, I continue to believe said tree to be an apple, even if fruits aren’t apparent on it. If I remember, I’ll keep an eye on it next year:)
Source:
Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.