Prunus x fontanesiana
(Spach) C. K. Schneid.
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jdfrei, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jdfrei, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) jdfrei, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
A deciduous tree. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic, neutral, or basic soils. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Description
A deciduous tree. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic, neutral, or basic soils. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit is somewhat bitter and can be eaten raw or cooked. It contains a single large seed, which can also be eaten raw or cooked — avoid it if it tastes too bitter.
Medicinal Uses
No specific medicinal uses have 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 toxic compound can stimulate respiration, aid digestion and produce a sense of well-being.
Known Hazards
Seeds contain compounds that convert to cyanide; discard bitter seeds.
Distribution
Temperate.
Where It Grows
Europe, Iraq, Middle East, Turkey, Türkiye,
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 up to 18 months. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and plant out in late spring or early summer the following year. As a hybrid, this species will not come true from seed. 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. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit.
Notes
There are about 200 Prunus species.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Ill. Handb. Laubholzk. 1:617. 1906
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
