Prunus x dasycarpa

Ehrh.

Purple apricot, Black apricot

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit Potential hazards — see below

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Summary

A deciduous tree growing to 4.5 m, hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers in March with seeds ripening August; hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acidic to basic pH. Requires full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A tree. It grows 4.5 m tall. The leaves are simple and alternate. It loses its leaves during the year. The flowers are white. The fruit are 3 cm across. It is probably a cross between Prunus armeniaca x P. cerasifera.

Edible Uses

The plum-like fruit is about 3cm in diameter with soft, juicy flesh that ranges from sub-acid to acid and has an apricot flavour, though one report describes it as sour. It can be eaten raw or cooked and is also suitable for making marmalade. The fruit contains a single large seed, which can be eaten raw or cooked — avoid it if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. It can be used to make marmalade.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). 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 suits USDA hardiness zones 4-8.

Where It Grows

Asia, Canada,

Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. Requires a sunny position. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, this tree is as hardy as an apple but, flowering early in the year, the blossoms can be damaged by late frosts. Overall, this species does not fruit well in Britain and is probably best placed against a sunny south-facing wall if fruit is required. The flowers can be fertilized by P. cerasifera or by P. armeniaca. 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 seedlings out 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. As a hybrid, this species will not come true from seed. 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.