Prunus jenkinsii

Prunus jenkinsii, called thereju and bonthereju, (Chinese: 坚核桂樱), is a species of Prunus native to the foothills of the Himalayas, preferring to grow at 1000–1800 m. It is a tree typically 7–20 m tall, flowering in autumn and fruiting in winter and spring. Its hard but edible dark brown fruit is harvested and brought to market in areas of India where it grows. Some sources even consider it to be cultivated or semidomesticated.

Description

An deciduous or evergreen tree. It grows 15 m tall. The leaves turn yellow as they fall. The leaves have teeth along the edge. The flowers are white. The fruit is fleshy and oval and 2 cm across. It has one large seed.

Edible Uses

The ovoid fruit grows up to 16mm in diameter and contains a single large seed. It is too acid to be pleasant raw but works well in tarts and cooked preparations. The seed can be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes too bitter — see toxicity notes.

Traditional Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh. They are also cooked in tarts.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but 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 grows between 1,000-1,800 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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. 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. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Bon thereju, Bontheraju, Dieng-soh-satang-hi, Sa-tanghi, Shiesi, Thereju tenga

References (13)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 495
• Chase, P. & Singh, O. P., 2016, Bioresources of Nagaland: A Case of Wild 4 Edible Fruits in Khonoma Village Forest. in J. Purkayastha (ed.), Bioprospecting of Indigenous Bioresources of North-East India. p 51
• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 525
• J. D. Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 2:317. 1878
• Patiri, B. & Borah, A., 2007, Wild Edible Plants of Assam. Geethaki Publishers. p 49

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