An apple is a sweet, edible fruit produced by an apple tree (Malus
pumila). Apple trees are cultivated worldwide, and are the most
widely grown species in the genus Malus. The tree originated in
Central Asia, where its wild ancestor, Malus sieversii, is still
found today. Apples have been grown for thousands of years in Asia
and Europe, and were brought to North America by European
colonists. Apples have religious and mythological significance in
many cultures, including Norse, Greek and European Christian
traditions.