Prunus nipponica

Matsum.

Japanese alpine 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; it is small, about 8mm in diameter, and contains one 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 small tree that loses its leaves. It grows 5 m tall. The flowers are white to pink.

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. Some named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. 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 cuttings with a heel can be taken in July/August in a frame; softwood cuttings from vigorous plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring is also an option.

Medicinal Uses

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

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves, and a dark grey to green dye from the fruit.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Prunus nipponica, also called Japanese alpine cherry (高嶺桜, Takanezakura) or Kurile cherry, is a shrub which originates from the islands of Hokkaido and Honshu, Japan. It grows to a height of about 5 meters (16 ft) and can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. This species is one of the hardiest of cherry trees, well-suited to cold climates. The flowers are a very light pink or even white in color. Flowers bloom in the first half of spring. They have 5 petals and are 3 centimeters (1.2 in) in diameter. The pistils are usually longer than the stamen. The leaves are serrated and the bark is gray. In autumn the leaves turn yellow and orange-red; these are rare autumnal colors for a cherry tree. P. nipponica wood contains significant amounts of these flavonoids: d-catechin, naringenin, sakuranetin, eriodictyol, taxifolin, genistein, and prunetin. Being a member of the genus Prunus, P. nipponica would contain amygdalin and prunasin which form hydrocyanic acid when combined with water. This acid is poisonous but in very small doses it can improve respiration, digestion, and a sense of well-being. The fruit can be used as food and to make green dye. This species was first reported by Japanese botanist Jinzō Matsumura in the Tokyo Botanical Magazine in 1901. It is in the section Pseudocerasus of the cherry subgenus Cerasus of the genus Prunus, which are ornamental plants. Ma et al classified it in a group with Prunus incisa. P. nipponica is on the "List of Protected Animals and Plants in the Wildlife Protection Zone" of the wilderness Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site.