Prunus japonica nakai
Japanese Plum
a perennial woody evergreen 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. A sweet agreeable flavour, they make a good pie[9]. A very good size, about 50mm in diameter with one large seed[10]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
- Plant part
- Fruit
- 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 kernels are aperient, carminative, demulcent, deobstruent, diuretic, lenitive and ophthalmic[4][7][8][11][14]. Their use lowers the blood pressure[7]. A decoction is used in the treatment of sluggish colon, constipation, oedema and inadequate elimination of urine[4]. The pits of this sub-species are aphrodisiac for both sexes[11]. The root is used in the treatment of constipation, children's fever, pinworms and teeth ailments[11]. 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].
- Product or use
- Aperient
- Product or use
- Aphrodisiac
- Product or use
- Carminative
- Product or use
- Demulcent
- Product or use
- Deobstruent
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Lenitive
- Product or use
- Ophthalmic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[6]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[6].
- Product or use
- Dye
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China, Korea, Manchuria.
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 4+
- 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[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][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[2][10]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[2][10]. A very ornamental plant[1], but it is subject to die-back[2]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[10]. This sub-species has larger plum-like fruits up to 50mm in diameter[10]. Closely related to P. glandulosa[2][15]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[12].
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
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Wilson. E. H. and Trollope. M. N. Corean Flora. Royal Asiatic Society 1918-00-00
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre
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
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
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/
Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila 1998-00-00 ISBN 92 9061 120 0
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00