Prunus apetala

(Siebold & Zucc.) Franch. & Sav.

Clove cherry

RosaceaeFruitSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Keita Watanabe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Keita Watanabe

iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) hakkahamushi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by hakkahamushi

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Each fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains a single large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be eaten if it tastes too bitter.

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.

Where to Find It

Temperate.

Asia, Japan,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Brunei, Bhutan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Israel, India, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mongolia, Maldives, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Philippines, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

How to Identify

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5-7 m tall. The leaves are broadly oval and 5-10 cm long. The leaf tips are slender. There are double teeth along the edge. The flowers are white to pink. The fruit are round to oval and black.

How to Grow

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, with protection from mice. Germination can be slow, sometimes taking 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. Half-ripe wood cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants can be taken in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering can be done in spring.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being.

Other Uses

The leaves yield a green dye, and the fruit yields a dark grey to green dye.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Prunus apetala is a species of flowering cherry in the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. It is called clove cherry (Japanese: チョウジザクラ choujizakura), because of its clovebud-shaped calyx. It is native to Japan, centered on the main island, Honshu.