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Prunus cerasus austera
  • Morello Cherry

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • very acid,acid,neutral,alkaline
    Very acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Prunus cerasus austera has 5 edible uses listed
Prunus cerasus austera has 5 material uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

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.

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[1][2][3][4][5]. The fruit is neither bitter nor sweet, but is pleasantly acid[4] and it can be eaten out of hand, used in pies, preserves etc or dried for later use[6]. The fruit has a dark juice[4]. The fruit is about 18mm in diameter and contains one large seed[7].

Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[8][9]. When refined it is used as a salad oil[6]. The leaves are used as a tea substitute[8][9][6].

A gum obtained from the trunk is used for chewing[9][10].

Fruit

Unknown use

Unknown part

Gum
Oil
Tea

Seed

Unknown use

Material uses

An edible drying oil obtained from the seed is also used in cosmetics[9].

The gum obtained from the stem is also used as an adhesive[9][10]. Plants can be grown as a hedge[11], succeeding in fairly exposed positions[K]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[12].

A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[12].

Unknown part

Adhesive
Dye
Gum
Oil
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

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[13].
There are no medicinal uses listed for Prunus cerasus austera.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[7]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[7]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[14]. 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[14]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame. Layering in spring.

Division of suckers during the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Prunus cerasus austera. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[4][7]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Prefers an acid soil according to another report[3]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[4][7]. Plants succeed when grown against a north-facing wall, the fruit ripens later in this position thus extending the season[11, K].

Hardy to about -20°c[15]. This subspecies covers the cultivated bitter cherries known as Morello cherries[4]. They have been long cultivated for their edible fruit and there are several named varieties[7]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[13]. Plants produce suckers freely[15].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Prunus cerasus austera. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Prunus cerasus austera.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Prunus cerasus austera
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[13]
Material uses & Functions
[9][10][11][12]
Botanic
[4][7]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Fruit (Unknown use)
  • Unknown part (Gum)
  • Unknown part (Oil)
  • Seed (Unknown use)
  • Unknown part (Tea)
Material uses
  • Unknown part (Adhesive)
  • Unknown part (Dye)
  • Unknown part (Gum)
  • Unknown part (Oil)
  • Unknown part (Wood)
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
  • Maritime exposure
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
deciduous
Herbaceous or Woody
woody
Life Cycle
perennial
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
9 x meters
Fertility
self fertile
Pollinators
Bees
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
hermaphrodite











References

  1. ? 1.01.11.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.7 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Loewenfeld. C. and Back. P. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-7971-2 ()
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  8. ? 8.08.18.2 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.6 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
  10. ? 10.010.110.210.3 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
  11. ? 11.011.1 ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
  12. ? 12.012.112.2 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-00-00)
  13. ? 13.013.113.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
  15. ? 15.015.1 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30258-2 (1989-00-00)


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