Prunus bifrons

Fritsch

Red-fruited cherry

RosaceaeFruitSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked 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. It grows on dry, stony slopes in Kazakhstan.

Afghanistan, Asia, Central Asia, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan,

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 spreading shrub. It grows 0.7-1.5 m tall. The bark is grey. The young shoots are thin and have a downy covering. The leaves are narrowly oval. They have teeth around the edge and a white covering underneath. The flowers occur singly and have pink petals. The fruit is fleshy with a stone inside. It is dark red.

How to Grow

Requires a dry sunny position. 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. This species is closely related to P. jacquemontii. 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 bifrons is a species of Prunus native to temperate and tropical Asia.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Names & Synonyms

Prunus afghana (Cardot.)Cerasus erythrocarpa Nevski

References (3)

Dzhangaliev, A. D., et al, 2003, The Wild Fruit and Nut Plants of Kazakhstan, Horticultural Reviews, Vol. 29. pp 305-371
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Sitzungsber. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss., Wien, Math.-Naturwiss. Cl., Abt. 1, 101:637. 1892