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]. More acid than a plum but it is very acceptable raw when fully ripe, especially after being touched by frost[12, 34, K]. The fruit is about 3cm in diameter and contains one large seed[4]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
Fruit
Seed
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]. Trees are fairly wind resistant and can be grown as a shelterbelt hedge[4].
Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The bark of the root and branches is febrifuge and considerably styptic[6]. An infusion of the flowers has been used as a mild purgative for children[6]. 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[7].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
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[4]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[4]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[8]. 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[9][4]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[4]. Layering in spring.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Prunus insititia. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[1][9]. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[9][4]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[9]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[1]. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[4]. It has been derived in cultivation from the bullace, differing in having a sweeter fruit[4]. Damsons can be grown successfully against a north facing wall[10]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[7]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[4].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Prunus insititia. 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 insititia.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
- Strong wind
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-01-01)
- ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-01-01)
- ? 3.03.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-01-01)
- ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.104.114.12 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-01-01)
- ? 5.05.15.2 Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. ISBN 0-02-544950-8 (1974-01-01)
- ? 6.06.16.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-01-01)
- ? 7.07.17.2 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-01-01)
- ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-01-01)
- ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-01-01)
- ? Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-01-01)
- ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-01-01)