Prunus dielsiana

(C. K. Schneid.) Koehne

Rosaceae Edible: Seeds, Fruit Potential hazards — see below 16 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Deciduous shrub reaching 6m tall. Hardy to UK zone 6. Flowers in April; seeds ripen June to July. Hermaphrodite, insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acid, neutral, or basic soils. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun. Prefers moist conditions.

Description

A shrub or tree. It grows 5-10 m tall. The leaves are narrowly oval and 6-14 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. They are pale green underneath. The fruit is red and 8-9 mm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit is a cherry about 8mm in diameter that can be eaten raw or cooked, and contains one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release 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. It grows in forests and near rivers between 500-1,400 m above sea level in southern China.

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

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. 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 and protected from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter them 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 strongly growing 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 obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

References (4)

Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 1472
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 1:68. 1905
www.efloras.org Flora of China Volume 9 (As Cerasus dielsiana)