Prunus rufa

Hook. f.

Himalayan cherry

RosaceaeFruitSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below

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(c) Suresh Ghimire, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Suresh Ghimire

iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Suresh Ghimire, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Seeds

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is about 10mm in diameter, containing one large seed. The seed is also edible raw or cooked, but should not be consumed if it tastes excessively 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

It grows naturally in the lowland Himalayas. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Tibet,

Countries: United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, 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. It grows 6 m high and spreads 4.5 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The young shoots have a rusty coloured, felt like coating. They flowers are white or have a pink tint. The fruit are small and red.

How to Grow

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. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. 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 up to 18 months. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, overwinter in a greenhouse or cold frame, and 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 all Prunus members contain amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to release hydrocyanic acid (prussic acid or cyanide). In small amounts, this highly toxic compound 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 ↗

Prunus rufa, called Himalayan cherry, is a species of cherry native to Nepal and Burma. It is used as an ornamental elsewhere for its striking shiny brown bark. It has been found growing at 3,925 m (12,900 ft) above sea level in the Himalayas.

Notes

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Names & Synonyms

Gonde, Pekh paiyun

References (5)

Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 496
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1096
Fl. Brit. India 2:314. 1878
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Srivastava, R. C., et al, 2010, Indigenous biodiversity of Apatani plateau: Learning on biolcultural knowledge of Apani tribe of Qrunachal Pradesh for sustainable livelihoods. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 9(3): 432-442