Prunus campanulata

Prunus campanulata is a species of cherry native to Japan, Taiwan, southern and eastern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Hunan, Fujian, and Zhejiang), and Vietnam. It is a large shrub or small tree, growing 3–8 m (10–26 ft) tall. It is widely grown as an ornamental tree, and a symbol of Nago in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is variously known in English as the Taiwan cherry, Formosan cherry, or bellflower cherry. It was described in 1883 by Carl Johann Maximowicz.

Description

A small tree. It grows 9 m high and spreads 8 m wide. The leaves are large and have double teeth. The flowers are pink to red. They hang in clusters. The flowers open before the leaves appear. The fruit are small and purple-black.

Edible Uses

The cherry-like fruit can be eaten raw or cooked once its astringency has been removed. It measures about 11mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should be avoided if it tastes too bitter.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin. These compounds break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide), which in small amounts stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and produces a sense of well-being, despite being exceedingly poisonous in larger quantities.

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. In southern China it grows on the edges of forests between 100-1,300 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. Arboretum Tasmania. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Myanmar, SE Asia, Slovenia, Taiwan, Tasmania, Vietnam,

Cultivation

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. This species is not very hardy in Britain, though it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. When fully dormant, it probably tolerates temperatures down to about -10 to -15°c. This species grows well in areas that are too warm for other species of flowering cherries. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties. Closely related to P. cerasoides. 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 18 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, then 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

Green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Pohon ceri kembang lonceng, Pohon ceri taiwan

References (8)

• Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Peersbourg 29:103; Melanges Biol. Bull. Phys.-Math. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 11:698. 1883 (Diagn. pl. nov. asiat.)
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1092
• Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
• http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
• Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 66

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