Prunus glandulosa

Prunus glandulosa, called Chinese bush cherry, Chinese plum, and dwarf flowering almond, is a species of shrub tree native to China and long present in Japan. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree and for cut flowers. It has white or pink flowers - single or double varies with cultivar - that bloom in Spring. Fruits are dark red. Its height is about 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) and prefers rocky slopes with plenty of sun. Leaves are alternating, pointy, and light green. It is drought tolerant. It is susceptible to mice as well as these diseases: fire blight, leaf spot, die back, leaf curl, powdery mildew, root rot, and honey fungus. Cultivars include: 'Alba' - (single white flowers), 'Alba Plena' (also 'Alboplena') - (double white flowers), 'Lawrence' - (single white-pink flowers), 'Rosea Plena' (also 'Sinensis') - (double pink flowers).

Description

A small shrub. It grows 1.5 m tall and spreads 1.5 m wide. The branches are upright. The leaves are rather narrow and have fine teeth along the edges. The flowers are white or pink. The fruit are dark red.

Edible Uses

The fruit is best used preserved or pickled. It is about 10mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it is too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten preserved or pickled.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal use has 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 (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts, this highly poisonous substance is said to stimulate respiration, improve 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

Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea,

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. Plants flower best when grown against a south or west-facing wall. A very ornamental plant. 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 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 or 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 (9)

• Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 1473
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1094
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
• Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 241

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