Prunus pseudocerasus
Lindley
Bastard cherry, Chinese early cherry, Cambridge cherry, Yingtao, Japanese cherry tree
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(c) Yao Li, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaPrunus pseudocerasus or Prunus pseudo-cerasus, the Chinese sour cherry or just Chinese cherry, is a species of cherry native to China. It is used worldwide as an ornamental for its early spring cherry blossoms. The fruit of some cultivars is edible.
Description
A small tree. It grows 8 m high and spreads 4.5 m wide. The flowers are 25 mm across. They are whtie. The fruit are small. They are 1.5 cm across. They are red and edible.
Edible Uses
The fruit is cherry-like, large and sweet, about 15mm in diameter with a single large seed. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and is used in preserves. It contains approximately 1% protein, 0.8% fat, 16.5% carbohydrate, and 0.6% ash. The flowers are salted and used to make a tea. The seed is edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it is too bitter due to potential toxicity.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten raw. They are also preserved and brewed into wine. The flowers are salted and used as tea.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
No specific research has been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this highly poisonous substance can stimulate respiration, aid digestion, and produce 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 is cultivated in northern China. It suits hardiness zones 6-8. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, China*, Myanmar, SE Asia,
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. Cultivated for its edible fruit in China. Closely related to P. involucrata. 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 as early in the year as possible. Protect seed 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from vigorous 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 extracted from the leaves, while the fruit yields a dark grey to green dye.
Production
The fruit ripen early.
Other Information
It is cultivated.
Notes
There are about 200 Prunus species.
Synonyms
References (12)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1096
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
- Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
- Glowinski, L., 1999, The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia. Lothian. p 71
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 446
Show all 12 references Hide references
- John, L., & Stevenson, V., 1979, The Complete Book of Fruit. Angus & Robertson p 104
- Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Tanaka,
- Trans. Hort. Soc. London 6:90. 1826
- Valder, P., 1999, The Garden Plants of China. Florilegium. p 114
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Zeven, A. C. & de West, J. M. J., 1982, Dictionary of cultivated plants and their regions of diversity. Wageningen. p 41
