Prunus cerasoides
Wild Himalayan Cherry
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[14][2][6][13]. Acid and astringent, they are only occasionally eaten raw but are more often cooked[9]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed[10]. Gum - chewed. Obtained from the trunk, it can be employed as a substitute for gum tragacanth[9], see Astragalus spp. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Fruit
- Product or use
- Gum
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The fruit is astringent[13]. The juice of the bark is applied externally to treat backaches[13]. 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[11].
- Product or use
- Astringent
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[8]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[8]. The seeds are used as beads in necklaces and rosaries[14][5][6][13]. Wood - moderately hard, strong, durable, aromatic[6]. The branches are used as walking sticks[14][5][6][13].
- Product or use
- Beads
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Himalayas from Himachel Pradesh to S.W. China and Burma.
- Habitat
- Forests, 1200 - 2400 metres[14]. Forests in ravines at elevations of 700 - 3700 metres in western China[12].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[10]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[10]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[4]. 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[3][10]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[10]. Layering in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[3][10]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Requires an open sunny sheltered position[7]. Not very hardy in Britain[1] but it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country[7]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[11]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[10].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Gamble. J. S. A Manual of Indian Timbers. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1972-00-00
Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945-00-00
Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6
Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00