Prunus takesimensis

Nakai

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 2 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Prunus takesimensis (Korean: 섬벚나무, lit. 'island cherry') is a species of cherry endemic to Ulleung Island, South Korea. A tree reaching 20 m, it is used as an ornamental. Morphologically it most closely resembles Prunus sargentii but its chloroplast genome is most similar to Prunus serrulata var. spontanea (syn. Prunus jamasakura).

Description

A deciduous tree flowering from March to April. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile, pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with preference for well-drained conditions. Grows in mildly acid, neutral, or basic soils. Can thrive 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 seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are also preserved with sugar.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Like all members of the genus, this species contains amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts, this compound stimulates respiration, aids 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.

Where It Grows

Asia, Japan, Korea,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this tree other than it is a type of cherry and is growing well at Kew. It seems that it could be an early fruiting cherry because a 2 metre tall tree, when seen in the middle of April, was already carrying a good crop of immature fruit. This fruit was about the size of a pea, which suggests that it will be a very god size when fully ripe. 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 and protected from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 18 months. Prick out 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 obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Also Known As

Beojji, Beotnamu

References (3)

Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 32:106. 1918
Ong, H. G., et al, 2015, Ethnobotany of the wild edible plants gathered in Ulleung Island, South Korea. Genet Resourc Crop Evol. Springer
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/