Phlorizin Phlorizin Phlorizin (also referred to as phloridzin; chemical name phloretin-2'-β--glucopyranoside) is a glucoside of phloretin, a dihydrochalcone, a family of bicyclic flavonoids, which in turn is a subgroup in the diverse phenylpropanoid synthesis pathway in plants. Phlorizin is found primarily in unripe "Malus" (apple), root bark of apple, trace amounts have been found in strawberry. In "Malus", it is most abundant in vegetative tissues (such as leaves and bark) and seeds. Closely related species, such as pear ("Pyrus communis"), cherry, and other fruit trees in the "Rosaceae" do not contain phloridzin. Phloridzin is a phytochemical that belongs to the class
Malus are borne in corymbs, and have five petals, which may be white, pink or red, and are perfect, with usually red stamens that produce copious pollen, and a half-inferior ovary; flowering occurs in the spring after 50–80 growing degree days (varying greatly according to subspecies and cultivar). Apples require cross-pollination between individuals by insects (typically bees, which freely visit the flowers for both nectar and pollen); all are self-sterile, and (with the exception of a few specially developed cultivars) self-pollination is impossible, making pollinating insects essential. Several "Malus" species, including domestic apples, hybridize freely. They are used as food plants