While all apple cores display a star when cut in half horizontally, Api Etoile’s fruit shape is a flattened rounded star, like an apple’s stumpy rendition of a star fruit. The five carpels, or seed pockets, make prominent knobs to create this unusual form. A bright red blush over yellow skin further adds to the striking visual appeal of this apple.

Api Etoile was extremely popular as a decorative feature on Victorian tables but was also prized for its flavor and storage ability. Scionwood provided by Gidon Coll of the Hudson Valley Apple Project. Blooms midseason. Z4.