Prunus korshinskyi — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Seeds

Seeds are edible raw or cooked and can be used as an almond substitute. However, seeds are typically bitter and should not be consumed in large quantities due to toxicity concerns.

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.

Europe, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, Palestine, Turkey, Türkiye,

Countries: Andorra, United Arab Emirates, Albania, Austria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bahrain, Belarus, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Algeria, Estonia, Egypt, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Iceland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Libya, Morocco, Monaco, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, San Marino, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Yemen

How to Identify

Prunus korshinskyi is a deciduous shrub reaching 3.5 m with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. The plant grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. It adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know how hardy it will be in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. This species probably hybridizes with P. dulcis, the almond, and could be used in breeding programmes. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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: Seeds require 2-3 months cold stratification and are best sown in a cold frame immediately after ripening or as soon as possible in the season if stored. Protect seeds from rodents. Germination can be slow, taking up to 18 months. Move seedlings to individual pots when large enough, maintain in greenhouse or cold frame during the first winter, then transplant in late spring or early summer. Alternative methods include half-ripe wood cuttings with heel in July/August, softwood cuttings from spring to early summer, or spring layering.

Medicinal Uses

All Prunus species contain amygdalin and prunasin, which hydrolyze in water to produce hydrocyanic acid. Though extremely toxic, small amounts stimulate respiration, enhance digestion, and promote general well-being.

Other Uses

Leaves produce green dye, fruit yields dark grey to green dye.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Prunus korshinskyi is a deciduous shrub reaching 3.5 m with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. The plant grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soil pH. It adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil conditions.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Names & Synonyms

Amygdalus korschinskii Hand.-MazzPrunus korschinskyi

References (2)

Ali-Shtayeh, M. S., et al, 2008, Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used in Palestine (Northern West Bank): A comparative study. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 4: 13
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (As Prunus korshinskyi)