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