Prunus domestica
Plum
a deciduous fruit tree 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.
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
Fruit - raw or cooked[1][8][17][14]. The fruit varies considerably from cultivar to cultivar, but it is generally somewhat mealy, soft and juicy with a delicious flavour ranging from very sweet to acid[K]. The more acid fruits are usually only used for cooking purposes[K]. The fruit varies widely in size according to cultivar but can be 8cm long and contains a single large seed[9]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity. An edible gum is obtained from points of damage on the trunk[16]. The seed contains about 20% of an edible semi-drying oil[13][15]. It has an agreeable almond smell and flavour[13]. The flowers are eaten. They are used as a garnish for salads and ice cream or brewed into a tea[7].
- Plant part
- Sap
- Product or use
- Gum
- Plant part
- Seed
- Product or use
- Oil
- Plant part
- Seed
The seed is edible raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes on toxicity.
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 dried fruit, known as prunes, is a safe and effective laxative and is also stomachic[13][17][10][12]. The bark is sometimes used as a febrifuge[17]. 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[12].
- Plant part
- Bark
- Product or use
- Febrifuge
Material uses
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[5]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[5]. A yellow dye is obtained from the bark[4]. A gum obtained from points of damage along the stem can be used as an adhesive[16]. The ground up seeds are used cosmetically in the production of face-masks for dry skin[17]. A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed[16]. No details of its uses. Wood - hard, compact. Used for musical instruments[4].
- Plant part
- Sap
- Product or use
- Adhesive
- Plant part
- Leaves, Fruit, Bark
- Product or use
- Dye
- Plant part
- Seeds
- Product or use
- Oil
- Plant part
- Seeds
- Product or use
- Cosmetics
- Plant part
- Wood
- Product or use
- Musical instruments, Fuel, Timber
- Plant part
- Wood
- Product or use
- Timber, Fuel, Fine carpentry
The wood is hard and dense and often tinted red or orange, proving a great timber for finer carpentry. It's density also makes it a great fuel.
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain. A hybrid P. spinosa x P. cerasifera divaricata.
- Habitat
- Found in hedges in Britain[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay, heavy 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[9]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[9]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[3]. 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[2][9]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[9]. Layering in spring.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[1][2] and a sheltered position[9]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[2][9]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[2]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but it is apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[1]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5[9]. The plum is widely cultivated for its edible fruit in temperate zones, there are many named varieties able to supply fresh fruits from late July to November or December[7]. Many cultivars are fully self-fertile, though some are partially self-sterile and others require cross-pollination[9]. Where space is at a premium, or at the limits of their climatic range, plums can be grown against a wall. Most cultivars will grow well against a sunny south or west facing wall, whilst an east facing wall will suit some of the tougher cultivars, a north facing wall is not really suitable[11]. This species is probably a hybrid of ancient origin between P. spinosa and P. cerasifera, coupled with chromosome doubling[6]. It does not cross-pollinate with the Japanese plum, P. salicina[9]. Prefers growing in a continental climate, mild winters tend to encourage earlier flowering with a greater risk of frost damage to the blossom. In Britain the best fruits are produced away from the western side of the country. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[12]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
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
Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain.
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2
Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0
Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Schery. R. W. Plants for Man.
Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5