Prunus x yedoensis

A deciduous tree growing 9 m tall and 10 m wide. Hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers April to May. Hermaphrodite flowers attract insects. Accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A deciduous tree. It grows 12 m tall. It is a broad spreading shape. The bark is purple-grey with thick bands of corky lenticels. The leaves are narrowly oval and 11 cm long by 6 cm wide. They taper to the tip. There are sharp teeth along the edge. The young leaves are downy on both sides but become smooth and glossy above. The flowers are 4 cm across and pale pink to white. They have 5 petals with a notch at the tip. They are borne in small clusters. The fruit is a nearly round cherry. It is 1.2 cm across. It is red but ripens to black.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is roughly the size of a pea and contains one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter — see toxicity notes.

Medicinal Uses

No specific research has been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). 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

It is a temperate plant. It is native to Japan. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Burnie Rhodo gardens. National Arboretum Canberra.

Where It Grows

Australia, China, Japan, Korea, Slovenia, Tasmania,

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. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. The flowers emit a delicate almond scent. 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. Protect seed from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking up to 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. Being a hybrid, it will not breed 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 also 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. The plant is noted for its scent.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Synonyms

References (9)

• Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 15:100.1901
• Coombes, A.J., 2000, Trees. Dorling Kindersley Handbooks. p 272
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1100
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 242
• http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants

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