Prunus japonica

Prunus japonica (also Cerasus japonica), also called Japanese bush cherry, Oriental bush cherry, or Korean bush cherry is a shrub species in the genus Prunus that is widely cultivated for ornamental use. Its native range extends from Central China through to the Korean peninsula.

Description

A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1.5 m tall and spreads 0.9-1.8 m wide. The branches are thin. The leaves have teeth along the edge. The flowers are small and white or pink. They occur in clusters. The fruit are small and cherry like and red.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked — it has a sweet, agreeable flavour and makes a good pie, though it also has a harsh, sour character. It is a reasonable size at about 14mm in diameter with one large seed. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes too bitter — see toxicity notes.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw or used in pies.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The kernels are aperient, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, diuretic, hypotensive, laxative, lenitive and ophthalmic. They are taken internally for dry constipation, oedema and insomnia following trauma. The root is used to treat constipation, children's fever, pinworms and teeth ailments. All members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). 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 will grow in a range of soils. It needs a sunny position. In northern China it grows between 100-200 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China*, Japan, Korea, Manchuria,

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 are hardy to at least -15°c. A very ornamental plant, but it is subject to die-back. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus. The Korean cherry is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there is at least one named variety. The sub-species P. japonica nakai. (Lév.)Rehd., which comes from Manchuria, has larger plum-like fruits up to 50mm in diameter. This species is closely related to P. glandulosa. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged.

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. Protect seed from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a greenhouse or cold frame through their first winter, 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. The flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The fruits are an important food source for birds and mammals, and the trees provide shelter through their dense foliage, supporting roosting and nesting. The bark and leaf litter provide shelter for invertebrates and overwintering sites for beneficial insects.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

References (12)

• Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 1474
• 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
• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 525

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