Prunus domestica

Prunus domestica is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae. A deciduous tree, it includes many varieties of the fruit trees known as plums in English, though not all plums belong to this species. The greengages and damsons also belong to subspecies of P. domestica.

Description

A small deciduous tree. It grows 6-10 m high. The young twigs are hairy. The bark is grey-brown and becomes cracked with age. The leaves have stalks. They are alternate. The leaves are 2-7 cm long by 0.7-3.5 cm wide. They are oval and taper to the tip. They have fine teeth. The base is rounded. The flowers are white. The fruit are round. They are golden yellow, green, red or dark purple. They have a waxy bloom. Fruit can be 7.5 cm long. The stone is large and rough or pitted. There are many cultivated varieties.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Its character varies considerably by cultivar, but is generally somewhat mealy, soft and juicy with a flavour ranging from very sweet to acid; more acid fruits are typically used only for cooking. Fruit size varies widely by cultivar but can reach 8cm in length, and each fruit contains a single large seed. The seed is edible raw or cooked but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter. An edible gum can be collected from points of damage on the trunk. The seed contains about 20% of an edible semi-drying oil with an agreeable almond smell and flavour. The flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish for salads and ice cream or brewed into a tea.

Medicinal Uses

Dried fruit (prunes) act as a safe and effective laxative and are also stomachic. The bark is sometimes used as a febrifuge. 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

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 1200-2000 m altitude. It needs 1,000-1,200 hours of chilling below 7°C during the dormant period. They do best with 90-110 cm annual and well-distributed rainfall. A well drained soil and a pH of 5.5-6.8 is best. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: Turkey. EUROPE: Turkey,

Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil and a sheltered position. 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 it is apt to become chlorotic if too much is present. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5. The plum is widely cultivated for its edible fruit in temperate zones, there are many named varieties able to supply fresh fruits from late July to November or December. Many cultivars are fully self-fertile, though some are partially self-sterile and others require cross-pollination. Where space is at a premium, or at the limits of their climatic range, plums can be grown against a wall. Most cultivars will grow well against a sunny south or west facing wall, whilst an east facing wall will suit some of the tougher cultivars, a north facing wall is not really suitable. This species is probably a hybrid of ancient origin between P. spinosa and P. cerasifera, coupled with chromosome doubling. It does not cross-pollinate with the Japanese plum, P. salicina. Prefers growing in a continental climate, mild winters tend to encourage earlier flowering with a greater risk of frost damage to the blossom. In Britain the best fruits are produced away from the western side of the country. 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. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. Harvesting typically occurs in late summer to early autumn, with specific timing varying by species. For instance, plums and peaches are usually harvested from July to September (Northern Hemisphere), while almonds are harvested in August to September (Northern Hemisphere). Prunus species usually flower in early spring, often between March and April (Northern Hemisphere), depending on the species and local climate. Growth rates vary among species, but generally, Prunus trees can grow moderately fast and often reach full height in 3 to 5 years. However, depending on the species and growing conditions, they may take several years to bear fruit. Some Prunus species (like many plums and almonds) are self-fertile, while others (like sweet cherries and certain apricots) require cross-pollination with another compatible variety for optimal fruit set. Growth rates vary among species, but generally, Prunus trees can grow moderately fast, often reaching full height in 3 to 5 years. However, they may take several years to bear fruit, depending on the species and growing conditions.

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

Prunus species can be used as windbreaks and in alley cropping systems, improving biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife, and some varieties contribute to soil health. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, a dark grey to green dye from the fruit, and a yellow dye from the bark. Gum collected from points of damage along the stem can be used as an adhesive. The ground seeds are used in the production of cosmetic face-masks for dry skin. A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed. The wood is hard and compact and is used for making musical instruments. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The fruits provide food for birds and mammals, and the trees offer shelter and nesting or roosting sites. The bark and leaf litter provide overwintering sites for invertebrates.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Aaru bakhara, Abrunheiro, Ahom bogori, Alubukhara, Alucha, Ameixa-europeia, Ameixa, Ciruela, Dag erigi, Damsons, Endrina, Erik, Italian plum, Kreegipuu, Kreek, Li zi, Lucha, Naaspai schein, Ou zhou li, Pflaumenbaum, Ploomipuu, Plum, Prune commune, Prunero, Seiyou sumono, Susina, Zwetschge

References (75)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 495
• Anderson, E. F., 1993, Plants and people of the Golden Triangle. Dioscorides Press. p 219
• Awan, M. R., et al, 2011, Studies on traditional knowledge of economically important plants of Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Pakistan. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research Vol. 5(16), pp. 3958-3967
• Bianchini, F., Corbetta, F., and Pistoia, M., 1975, Fruits of the Earth. Cassell. p 142
• Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 77

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