Prunus mira

Prunus mira, the smooth stone peach, smooth-pit peach or Tibetan peach, and locally called behmi, behimi or tirul, is a species of Prunus native to the foothills of the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau, at elevations typically between 2600 and 3000 m, but ranging from 2000 to 4000 m.

Description

A tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 3-10 m high. The small branches are green and smooth. They turn brown with age. They are slender and spreading. The leaves are sword shaped and 5-10 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They taper to the tip and rounded at the base. There are teeth towards the top. They are velvety along the midrib underneath. The flowers occur singly and open before the leaves. The flowers are pinkish-white. There are 1-2 together. They are 2-2.5 cm across. The fruit is round and 3-4 cm across. They have a covering. They are juicy and sweet. The stone is oval and smooth.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, though it is bitter. It resembles a freestone peach with a small, ovoid, smooth seed, and is about 3cm in diameter. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten fresh.

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

It is a temperate plant. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China. It is native to western China. It grows in mixed forests and mountain valleys and broad-leaved forests between 2,600-3,000 m altitudes.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Himalayas, Russia, Tibet,

Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, doing well in limestone. 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. This species is often cultivated for its fruit and seed in China. The plants fruit freely in Britain. 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.

Production

In Yunnan the fruit are harvested in July and August.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Behmi, Kamu, Reck, Rok, Yemaotao

References (9)

• Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 445
• Ju, Y., et al, 2013, Eating from the wild: diversity of wild edible plants used by Tibetans in Shangri-la region, Yunnan, China, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethno medicine 9:28 (As Amygdalus mira)
• Masoodi, H. U. R. & Sundriyal, R. C., 2020, Richness of non-timber forest products in Himalayan communities—diversity, distribution, use pattern and conservation status. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 16:56
• Negi, P. S. & Subramani, S. P., 2015, Wild Edible Plant Genetic Resources for Sustainable Food Security and Livelihood of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India, International Journal of Conservation Science. 6 (4): 657-668
• Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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