Prunus x gondouinii

(Poit. & Turpin) Rehder

Duke cherry, Royal cherry

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds Potential hazards — see below 4 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A deciduous tree reaching 6 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 4. Flowers April to May. 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

Edible Uses

The fruit is somewhat sour with a soft texture and semi-sweet flavour, and is valued particularly for cooking. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried for later use. The fruit contains a single large seed, which can also be eaten raw or cooked — avoid it if it tastes too bitter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or stewed, preserved or dried.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

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

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

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

Prunus avium x Prunus cerasus

References (6)

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 203
Jackes, D. A., 2007, Edible Forest Gardens
J. Arnold Arbor. 27:171.1946
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Tanaka,

Show all 6 references