Prunus maximowiczii

Rupr.

Miyama cherry, Miyama-zakura

Rosaceae Edible: Flowers, Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 144 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Prunus maximowiczii, known as Korean cherry, Korean mountain cherry, or Miyama cherry, is a small (about 7.5 m), fruiting cherry tree that can be found growing wild in northeastern Asia and Eurasia.

Description

A small tree. It grows 6 m high and spreads 6 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are small and have teeth. The flowers are creamy white.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked; it is about 5mm in diameter and contains one large seed. Flowers are preserved in salt and used as a condiment. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are preserved in salt and stored for future use. The fruit are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal use 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 (prussic acid). In small amounts this highly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and produces 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. In northern China it grows between 100-1,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Central Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Russia,

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. A very hardy 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, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, then plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. Half-ripe cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame; softwood cuttings from vigorous plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring is also an option.

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit. The wood is hard, very heavy, and close-grained, and is used for furniture, carving, and utensils.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Padus maximowiczii

References (6)

Bull. Cl. Phys.-Math. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 15:131. 1857 ("1856")
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1095
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Tanaka,

Show all 6 references