Prunus cerasifera

Prunus cerasifera is a species of plum known by the common names cherry plum and myrobalan plum. Native to Eurasia and naturalized elsewhere, P. cerasifera is believed to be one of the parents of the cultivated plum.

Description

A deciduous tree. It grows to 7.5 m high. The crown is spreading and open. The twigs are thorny. The bark is purple-brown and thinly scaly. It has orange lenticels across it. The leaves are alternate and glossy green. They are oval and 6 cm long by 3 cm wide. There are small regular rounded teeth on the edge of the leaf. The flowers are small and white. They appear before the leaves. They are 2.5 cm across. There are 5 petals and sepals which curve back. The flowers occur singly or in small clusters. The fruit are green but turn red. They are 3 cm across. They are edible. There are several named cultivated varieties.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or used cooked in pies, tarts, jams, and similar preparations. About 30mm in diameter, it resembles a small plum with a thin skin, a somewhat mealy but juicy flesh, and a pleasant sweet flavour. Fruit can remain on the tree until October. Each fruit contains one large seed, which can also be eaten raw or cooked, though it should be avoided if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for pies, tarts and jam. They are used for syrup.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

This plant is used in Bach flower remedies, prescribed for states of desperation, fear of losing control of the mind, and dread of committing a frightful act. It is also one of the five ingredients in the Rescue Remedy. Like all members of the genus, it contains amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and gives 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

Temperate. The cv. called Sogdijskaya grows in Kazakhstan it grows in gorges and mountain slopes between 800-2,200 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 4-10.

Where It Grows

Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Belarus, Britain, Bulgaria, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Ecuador, Europe, France, Georgia, Greece, Himalayas, Hungary, India, Iraq, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Russia, South America, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia,

Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present. A very ornamental plant, it is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, unfortunately this is not often borne in large quantities in Britain, but large crops are produced every 4 years or so. There are some named varieties. Included as a part of P. divaricata by some botanists though others include P. divaricata as a sub-species under this species. 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. A sprouting standard sending up shoots from the base.

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. Suckers can be divided during the dormant season and planted directly into permanent positions.

Other Uses

This species makes a reasonable windbreak hedge, though it cannot tolerate excessive exposure. It is frequently used as a rootstock for cultivated plums, imparting a semi-dwarfing habit. Green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Alû balû, Alycha, Dzhanka, Fosoka szilva, Helûzhe, Kabutak, Kaisi, Mirobolano, Prsliva sliva, Sliva djanki, Sogdijskaya plum

References (46)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 494
• Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 83
• Beitr. Naturk. 4:17. 1789 (Gartenkalender 4:189-204. 1784)
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 840
• Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 836

More from Rosaceae

Potentilla peduncularis

Potentilla recta

Rough-Fruited Cinquefoil, Erect cinquefoil

Potentilla reptans

Creeping cinquefoil

Potentilla rupestris

Prairie tea, Rock cinquefoil, Khaltalsa, Polvoi-tchai

Potentilla speciosa

Potentilla supina

Spreading Cinquefoil