Prunus lannesiana
(Carrière) E.H.Wilson
Oshima cherry
wikimedia· cc-by-sa
Wikimedia Commons - Kropsoq
Summary
Prunus lannesiana is a deciduous tree with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. The species grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Description
Prunus lannesiana is a deciduous tree with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. The species grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and contains a single large seed. The flowers are preserved in salt and used in tea. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes too bitter — see toxicity notes.
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
Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds. Do not consume bitter seeds due to elevated toxin levels.
Distribution
Temperate.
Where It Grows
Asia, Slovenia,
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.
References (2)
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
