crabapple

crabapple

　　Crabapple trees are a scenic feature of Lijiang. In spring they bloom, and in autumn they bear fruit, beautifying the environment while also bringing good economic returns. The planting of crabapple trees in Lijiang has a long history. He Songqiao, a Naxi poet from the late Qing Dynasty, praised them in his poem "Miscellaneous Poems on Lijiang": Ancient crabapple trees cluster south of the town, their red reflections deep in White Horse Pool. From time to time, three or five visitors gather beneath the trees, sitting and chatting by the flowers. He Songqiao’s poem vividly captures the beautiful scenery during the crabapple blooming season in Lijiang, which remains charming and delightful to read even today.

　　There are three types of crabapple in Lijiang. The first is the flowering quince crabapple, also known as the thornless crabapple, mainly used for garden beautification and flower viewing. The fruit it bears after the flowers fade is the quince, not the crabapple fruit. The second is the Begonia crabapple, also called Haihong, Zimu crabapple, or small crabapple fruit. The Begonia crabapple has smooth, dense branches, a graceful tree form, green leaves and fragrant flowers, with double petals and bright, sweet fruit. The third is the weeping crabapple, with a graceful tree posture and long, drooping flower branches. It comes in both single and double petals, with delicate and charming colors, resembling small lotus flowers—it is a premium variety among crabapples. The latter two types of crabapple are most abundant in Lijiang and Lashi, blooming beautifully in spring and bearing fruit in autumn. The crabapple fruits in Lijiang are mostly made into dried products for sale, available in loose or bagged form. In the Naxi language, they are called "duolijiu bu," a dried fruit that serves both as food and medicine, effective for treating nephritis and diabetes. They are especially suitable for children who are reluctant to take medicine, allowing them to enjoy fruit while also receiving treatment.