Prunus cerasoides
Prunus cerasoides, commonly known as the wild Himalayan cherry or sour cherry,[4] is a species of deciduous cherry tree in the family Rosaceae. It is found in southern and eastern Asia.
| Prunus cerasoides | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Indian white-eye in a wild Himalayan cherry | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Prunus |
| Subgenus: | Prunus subg. Cerasus |
| Species: | P. cerasoides |
| Binomial name | |
| Prunus cerasoides | |
| Synonyms[3] | |
|
List
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Its range extends in the Himalayas from Himachal Pradesh in north-central India, to south-western China, Burma and Thailand. It grows in temperate forest from 1,200–2,400 metres (3,900–7,900 ft) in elevation.[5]
Description
Prunus cerasoides is a tree which grows up to 30 metres (98 ft) in height. It has glossy, ringed bark. When the tree is not in flower, it is characterised by glossy, ringed bark and long, dentate stipules.
The tree flowers twice a year, during autumn and spring. First flowering blooms between the months of January to April and second flowering blooms between September to November.[6] Flowers are hermaphroditic and are pinkish white in color. It has ovoid yellow fruit that turns red as it ripens.
Uses
Cultivation
Prunus cerasoides is cultivated as an ornamental tree. The tree thrives in well-drained and moisture-retentive loamy soil, in an open, sunny, and sheltered location.
P. cerasoides, like most members of the genus Prunus, is shallow rooted and is likely to produce suckers if the root is damaged. It is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present. 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.
Food
- 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.
Other uses
The fruits and the leaves give a dark green dye. Seeds can be used in the manufacture of necklaces.
The wood is hard, strong, durable and aromatic, and branches are used as walking sticks.
References
- Rhodes, L.; Pollard, R.P.; Maxted, N. (2016). "Cerasus cerasoides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T50026860A50670270. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T50026860A50670270.en. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
- "Plant Name Details for Prunus cerasoides D.Don". IPNI. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
- See Taxonbar
- "Prunus cerasoides". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
- Chandel, V.; Rana, T.; Hallan, V.; Zaidi, A. A. (2007). "Wild Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides) as a Natural Host of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus in India". Plant Disease. 91 (12): 1686. doi:10.1094/PDIS-91-12-1686C. PMID 30780621.
- Kurniawan, V (16 May 2021). "Phenology and morphological flower of Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. Ex D. Don". IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 948 (1): 8. Bibcode:2021E&ES..948a2047K. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/948/1/012047. S2CID 245259406. Retrieved 16 May 2021.