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Prunus domestica
  • Plum

a deciduous fruit tree of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Secondary canopy
    Secondary canopy
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
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
  • acid, neutral, alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Heavy clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 5
    Zone 5
    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 domestica has 0 edible uses listed
Prunus domestica has 0 material uses listed
Prunus domestica has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Leaves, Seed

Hyrdogen cyanide low toxicity
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

Flowers

Fresh, Tea

Fruit

Fresh, Cooked

Sap

Gum

Seed

Oil
Raw, Cooked

The seed is edible raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes on toxicity.

Material uses

Sap

Adhesive

Leaves, Fruit, Bark

Dye

Seeds

Oil
Cosmetics

Wood

Musical instruments, Fuel, Timber
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.

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].

Bark

Febrifuge

Fruit

Laxative, Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Secondary canopy

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

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[6]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[6]. 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[15][6]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[6].

Layering in spring.

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



Cultivation

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[2][15] and a sheltered position[6]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[15][6]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[15]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but it is apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[2]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 6.5[6].

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[1]. Many cultivars are fully self-fertile, though some are partially self-sterile and others require cross-pollination[6]. 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[16]. This species is probably a hybrid of ancient origin between P. spinosa and P. cerasifera, coupled with chromosome doubling[17]. It does not cross-pollinate with the Japanese plum, P. salicina[6]. 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[13].

Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Prunus domestica. 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 domestica.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Prunus domestica
Genus
Prunus
Family
Rosaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][1]
Medicinal uses
[8][4][12][13]
Material uses & Functions
[10][11][7][4]
Botanic
[15][17][6]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Secondary canopy
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    moderate
    Mature Size
    12 x 10
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    white
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Zwetschgen.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Zwetschgen.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Zwetschgen.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Zwetschgen.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (32202/01/01)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (32202/01/01)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (32202/01/01)
    6. ? 6.006.016.026.036.046.056.066.076.086.096.106.116.12 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (32202/01/01)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    12. ? 12.012.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (32202/01/01)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (32202/01/01)
    14. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (32202/01/01)
    15. ? 15.015.115.215.315.4 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (32202/01/01)
    16. ? Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (32202/01/01)
    17. ? 17.017.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (32202/01/01)


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    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Prunus_domestica&oldid=79746"
    Facts about "Prunus domestica"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupNo +
    Belongs to familyRosaceae +
    Belongs to genusPrunus +
    Has binomial namePrunus domestica +
    Has common namePlum +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partFlowers +, Fruit +, Sap + and Seed +
    Has edible useFresh +, Tea +, Cooked +, Gum +, Oil + and Raw +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +
    Has flowers of colourwhite +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateModerate +
    Has hardiness zone5 +
    Has imageZwetschgen.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partSap +, Leaves +, Fruit +, Bark +, Seeds + and Wood +
    Has material useAdhesive +, Dye +, Oil +, Musical instruments +, Fuel +, Timber +, Fine carpentry + and Cosmetics +
    Has mature height12 +
    Has mature width10 +
    Has medicinal partBark + and Fruit +
    Has medicinal useFebrifuge +, Laxative + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageZwetschgen.jpg +
    Has search nameprunus domestica + and plum +
    Has seed requiring scarificationNo +
    Has seed requiring stratificationNo +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy +, Clay + and Heavy clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy namePrunus domestica +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSecondary canopy +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates air pollutionNo +
    Tolerates maritime exposureNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Tolerates windNo +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica +, Prunus domestica + and Prunus domestica +