| Name |
Prunus
- Serrula - Paperback Cherry |
| Cultivation |
The
plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires
well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline)
soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires
moist soil. 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. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its use as a rootstock,
there are some named varieties. 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. |
| Family |
Rosaceae |
| Genus |
Prunus |
| Synonyms |
Cerasus
serrula |
| 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. |
| Range |
Range
E. Asia - China. |
| Height |
A
decidious Tree growing to 10m by 10m. |
| Habitat |
Woodland
Garden; Canopy; Secondary;
Woods in the mountains of Yunnan around 3300 metres. Mountain slopes, forest
in ravines, forest margins and grassy mountain slopes at elevations of 1200
- 4000 metres. |
| Characteristics |
It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to September.
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are
pollinated by Insects. |
| Edible
Uses |
Edible
Parts: Fruit; Seed.
Fruit. The fruit is
about 12mm in diameter and contains one large seed.
Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the
notes above on toxicity. |
| Medicinal
Uses |
Although
no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus
contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to
form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly
poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives
a sense of well-being. |
| Other
Uses |
Dye;
Rootstock.
Used as a rootstock.
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves. A dark grey to green dye
can be obtained from the fruit. |
| Propagation |
Seed
- requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame
as soon as it is ripe. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year
as possible. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow,
sometimes taking 18 months to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual
pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse
or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or
early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel,
July/August in a frame. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in
spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring. |
| Cultivars |
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