Prunus cerasoides
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| Wild Himalayan Cherry | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Prunus cerasoides |
Prunus cerasoides also called the Wild Himalayan Cherry is a deciduous tree found in East Asia. It is of the family Rosaceae and the genus Prunus. Its range extends in the Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh in India to southwest China and Burma. It grows in the forests from 1200 to 2400 metres above sea level.
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[edit] Description
P. cerasoides is a medium sized tree which grows up to 30 metres in height. It flowers in autumn and winter, specifically in January and February. Flowers are hermaphroditic and are pinkish white in color. It has smooth bark, ovoid yellow fruit that turns red as it ripens. When the tree is not in flower, it is characterised by glossy, ringed bark and long, dentate stipules.
[edit] Cultivation and propagation
The tree thrives in well-drained and moisture-retentive loamy soil. It will grow well with a bit of lime in the soil, but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. It requires an open, sunny and sheltered location. Cerasoides, like most members of this genus, is shallow rooted and is likely to produce suckers if the root is damaged. It is known to be susceptible to honey fungus.
The seed requires two to three months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as early in winter as possible. The seed grows rather slowly and can sometimes take about 18 months to germinate depending on the conditions.
[edit] Uses
This plant has a variety of uses.
[edit] Edible uses
- Fruit — 15mm in diameter, the fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Gum — Gum is chewed and obtained from the trunk. It can be employed as a substitute for gum tragacanth.
- Seed — It can be eaten raw or cooked.
[edit] Medicinal uses
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The fruit is astringent. The juice of the bark can be applied externally to treat backaches. This plant is likely to contain prunasin and amygdalin which break down water to form hydrocyanic acid. In small amounts, this compound stimulates respiration and improves digestion.
[edit] Other uses
The fruits and the leaves give a dark green dye. Seeds can be used in the manufacture of necklaces and rosaries. The wood is hard, strong, durable and aromatic, and branches are used as walking sticks.
