Prunus pilosiuscula
(C.K.Schneid.) Koehne.
Ian W. Fieggen (via Wikimedia Commons)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds
The fruit is a cherry about 10mm in diameter with a single large seed, and is possibly edible raw or cooked. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should be avoided if it tastes too bitter due to potential toxicity.
Known Hazards
Where to Find It
Temperate.
Asia, China,
How to Identify
A deciduous tree reaching 9 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers appear April to May with seeds ripening July to August. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Thrives in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
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 as early in the year as possible. Protect seed 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 research has been recorded for this species, but like all members of the genus it contains amygdalin and prunasin, compounds that break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid). In small amounts this highly poisonous substance can stimulate respiration, aid digestion, and produce a sense of well-being.
Other Uses
A green dye can be extracted from the leaves, while the fruit yields a dark grey to green dye.
Wikipedia
Source ↗A deciduous tree reaching 9 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 5. Flowers appear April to May with seeds ripening July to August. Hermaphroditic flowers are insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Thrives in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil.
Notes
There are about 200 Prunus species.
Names & Synonyms
Yeyingtao
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, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- C. S. Sargent, Pl. wilson. 1:202. 1912
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