Apple

Catalogue Type

Seed Catalogue

Scientific Name

Malus pumila

Family

Roasaceace

Distinguishing Characters

Apple seeds are small, dark brown or black, and under a centimeter long.
They are pointed at one end and rounded at the other.
They are found within five chambers, or carpels, in the center of an apple, with one to three seeds per carpal.

Photo of Seed

Description

Apple seeds are known for containing small amounts of cyanide, a poison without an antidote that makes the blood unable to carry oxygen, resulting in asphyxiation. However, the amount of cyanide in each seed is so small that there is little danger of accidentally consuming a lethal dose.

Apple seeds are coated with a tough, protective layer, keeping them from being digested unless ground or chewed.

This not only protects us from the cyanide, it also protects the seed. If it is not destroyed by the digestive system of animals, it can then sprout wherever they deposit it in their fertile stool.