Prunus sogdiana

Vassilcz.

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 8 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Deciduous tree growing to 7 m tall. Flowers in April with seeds ripening in August. Hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage; tolerates mildly acid to basic pH and prefers moist conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun.

Description

A tree. It grows 7 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is grey and young branches are green. The leaves are 4-5 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are dark green above and pale green underneath. The flowers are white. The fruit are 3 cm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit has a delicious flavour, closely resembling cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) when harvested in October. It is about 3cm in diameter and contains one large seed, and can be eaten raw or cooked. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes excessively bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are cooked and eaten. The seeds are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all Prunus members contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts, this highly toxic compound can stimulate respiration, aid digestion, and produce a sense of well-being.

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows between 800-2,000 m above sea level in Tibet. It grows in river valleys and mountain slopes. It suits hardiness zone 4.

Where It Grows

Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Tibet, Uzbekistan,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this tree other than it is growing at Kew, looks very much like a cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) and has fruited well in early autumn on a number of occasions. This species is seen as no more than a synonym of P. cerasifera by some botanists. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed requires 2–3 months of cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking up to 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from vigorous plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Other Uses

A green dye can be extracted from the leaves, and the fruit yields a dark grey to green dye.

References (2)

Ferns, Plants for the Future.
Soukand, R., et al, 2021, The trauma of no-choice: Wild food ethnobotany in Yaghnobi and Tajik villages, Varzob Valley, Tajikistan. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution · December 2021