Plays a key role in hydrogen peroxide removal. H2O2 + L-ascorbate = 2 H2O + L-dehydroascorbate Binds 1 heme b (iron(II)-protoporphyrin IX) group. Inhibited by p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonic acid (CMPSA). Optimum pH is 6-7. Expressed in roots, aerial vegetative parts and reproductive organs (PubMed:14644501, Ref.1). Expressed in roots, leaves, stems and flowers (PubMed:16397796). By stress and hormones. By infection with rice blast fungus (M.grisea). Circadian-regulation. Expression is higher during the light phase than during the dark phase. Induced by hydrogen peroxide in leaves (PubMed:25546583). Binds one cation per subunit; probably K(+), but might also be Ca(2+). Belongs to the peroxidase family. Ascorbate peroxidase subfamily.