Prunus canescens

Bois

Greyleaf cherry

RosaceaeFruitSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds

The fruit has a pleasant cherry-like flavour and can be eaten raw or cooked. It measures about 10mm in diameter and contains one large seed. The seed can also be eaten raw or cooked, but should be avoided 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, China*,

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 shrubby tree. It grows 3 m tall. The fruit are round and red and 10-12 mm wide. There is one large seed.

How to Grow

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone. 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. 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.

Medicinal Uses

No specific medicinal uses have been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin. These compounds break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide), which in small amounts stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and produces a sense of well-being, despite being exceedingly poisonous in larger quantities.

Other Uses

This species is used as a rootstock for cherries, being compatible with most sweet cherry cultivars. It produces small trees with an open growth habit and is suitable for planting at 300–500 trees per hectare, with a tendency toward very good fruit yields. Green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Prunus canescens, the gray-leaf cherry (and hoary cherry, although that name is also used for Prunus incana), is a species of cherry native to China, found in Hubei and Sichuan provinces. A shrubby tree, it grows to about 3 m. It is a parent of a number of hybrid rootstocks for sweet cherries, and occasionally grown as an ornamental for its attractive shiny brown bark.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species. It is an at risk species.

Names & Synonyms

Yeyingtao

Cerasus canescens (Bois) S. Ya.Sokolov

References (3)

Kang, Y., et al, 2012, Wild food plants and wild edible fungi in two valleys on the Qinling Mountains (Shaanxi, central China) Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine; 9:26
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
M. L. Vilmorin & D. G. J. M. Bois, Frutic. vilmor. 1:66. 1904