Malus sikkimensis

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Malus sikkimensis, the Sikkim crabapple, is a rare apple species. Its conservation status is Data Deficient, meaning there isn’t enough information to know how at risk it is.

It belongs to the Rosaceae family and was first described in 1890. The tree bears white and pink flowers and dark red fruits. It is native to China, Nepal, Bhutan, Assam, Tibet, and parts of India, especially in the Himalayan region. Habitat loss is a threat to its survival.

The fruits are edible and rich in dietary dihydrochalcones and flavonoids. Extracts from the fruit show potential protective and therapeutic properties. In China, its name is xi jin hai tang.