Malus pumila 'Annurca' (Apple Tree)

Common name: Annurca Apple

Description: This ancient Italian variety, particularly associated with the Campania region, produces small to medium-sized fruit with distinctive flattened shape and attractive red striping over a pale yellow background. Annurca is renowned for its exceptional aromatic qualities and intense, complex flavour that balances sweetness with pleasant acidity. The compact tree displays white spring blossoms and demonstrates good disease resistance. This heritage variety requires patience as the fruit benefits from extended ripening, but rewards growers with apples of exceptional character and traditional Mediterranean apple flavours rarely found in modern varieties.

Other benefits: ancient heritage variety, exceptional aromatic qualities, compact growth habit, unique traditional flavours

Wildlife attraction: bees, beneficial insects, and pollinators during flowering; birds including blackbirds, thrushes, and other fruit-eating species enjoy the aromatic fallen fruit

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3-4m x 3m (naturally compact habit)

Position: full sun essential; benefits from warm, sheltered position in UK climate

Soil pH: slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0); prefers well-drained, fertile soil

Moisture: consistent watering important; benefits from protection from excessive wet weather

Winter hardiness: moderately hardy to -15°C; best suited to southern England and very sheltered positions