Prunus triloba

Prunus triloba, sometimes called flowering plum or flowering almond, a name shared with Prunus jacquemontii, is a shrubby cherry, sometimes becoming a small tree. The flowers are pale pink or white, and the fruit are red and "pubescent", i.e. with soft hair. It originates from China but is popular around the world as an ornamental. It is most often found in cultivation in the double flowered form P. triloba 'Multiplex', which has double pink flowers. This cultivar is often sold as "Rose Tree of China", "China Rose Tree", or other variants. The stones of P. triloba are often used to make beaded bracelets in China.

Description

A small tree. It grows 3.5 m high and spreads 3.5 m wide. The leaves are 6 cm long. The leaves have 3 lobes. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are pale pink. They open before or with the leaf buds. The fruit is red and has a downy skin.

Edible Uses

The fruit is possibly edible raw or cooked and is about 13mm in diameter, containing one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

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

Temperate. It is more hardy than Prunus mume. It grows in north China between 600-2,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Central Asia, China, Korea, Russia, Tajikistan,

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 when growing in a sunny position. Any pruning is best done soon after the plant has flowered, to within 4 - 5 buds of the previous years wood. This encourages heavier flowering in the following year because it flowers best on the previous years growth. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c. Although very hardy, the plant flowers in early spring and it is best grown against a sunny wall in order to give some protection to the flowers. Another report says that plants are not reliably hardy in the open garden, which is rather strange considering the plant has been given a hardiness rating of 5. This species is named after a cultivated form grown in gardens, the true wild form is P. triloba simplex. (Bunge.)Rehd. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. 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 — these root very easily. 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.

Synonyms

References (7)

• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1100
• Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
• Gard. Chron. 1857:268. 1857
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 242
• Lord, E.E., & Willis, J.H., 1999, Shrubs and Trees for Australian gardens. Lothian. p 68

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