The taxonomic history of Prunus is long and complicated, in part due to the economic value of its fruit crops and also the ease with which some species hybridize. Here, Prunus is circumscribed in its broad sense based on the argument that when viewed on a worldwide scale, the morphologic discontinuities among the segregate genera diminish and they overlap with one another. Included here are species that have at times been placed in the genera Amygdalus, Armeniaca, Cerasus, Laurocerasus, Padus, and Persica.
At the species level, Prunus has been the object of the usual combining and splitting common among taxonomists with different philosophies and opinions. In particular, over-reliance on the indument of various vegetative and floral parts has led to the naming of numerous species and infraspecific taxa. Similarly, too much has been made of fruit colour and palatability in naming taxa of Prunus. It is very likely that, as molecular and genetic data are analyzed and, more importantly, correlated with morphological data, circumscriptions will be redrawn and the number of Prunus species will be reduced[].

Common Name: Manchurian Apricot

General Information

Prunus mandshurica is a deciduous tree that can grow 5 - 15 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruits, can be used as a rootstock, is also grown as an ornamental, and can be used to form shelterbelts[].
There is currently insufficient information available to evaluate this species. It is thought to be rare with population decline in Russia, but population distribution and trends across the rest of the species' range is lacking. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

The plant (especially the seed and young shoots) contains cyanogenic glycosides, especially amygdalin and prunasin. When injested, these compounds break down in the digestive tract to release cyanide. Used in small quantities in both traditional and conventional medicine, this exceedingly poisonous compound has been shown to stimulate respiration, improve digestion, and promote a sense of well-being[]. It is also claimed by some to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer - though this claim has been largely refuted.
In larger concentrations, however, cyanide can cause gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma and respiratory failure leading to death[].
The fruits and flowers of most members of this genus generally have low or very low concentrations of this toxin, though the seeds and young shoots can contain much higher levels.
The levels of toxin can be detected by the level of bitterness:- for example sweet tasting almond seeds are a major food crop and are often eaten in quantity, whilst bitter tasting almond seeds are used as a flavouring (in marzipan for example) but are not usually eaten on their own.
In general, it can be considered safe to eat any fruit or seed from species in this genus that either have a sweet flavour or are slightly bitter. Great caution should be taken, however, if the flavour is moderately to very bitter[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, northeast China, Korea

Habitat

Open well illuminated stony or rocky slopes[]. Mixed forests, thickets, mountain regions and open sunny slopes; at elevations from 200 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prunus mandshurica is a very frost-resistant plant[].
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[, ]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[, ].
Sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[, , ].
Because of the large, attractive flowers ornamental cultivars of Prunus manshurica are frequently grown[].
Closely related to Prunus sibirica[].
Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Not usually very palatable raw but it is all right cooked[]. Occasionally the fruit is sweet and is then acceptable for dessert[]. The wild forms are usually slightly fleshy to dry, sour or somewhat bitter, though there are large-fruited forms with a pleasant tasting fragrant flesh[]. The best forms are small, juicy, sub-acid to sweet, they can be eaten out of hand, cooked or made into preserves[]. A reasonable size, the yellow, subglobose fruit is 15 - 26mm in diameter with one small seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. It usually has a bitter flavour, though there are plants with sweeter seeds[]. Rich in oils and protein[]. The seed is a possible almond substitute[]. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The seed is antiasthmatic, antiseptic, antitussive and emollient[]. It is used in the treatment of coughs, asthma, acute or chronic bronchitis and constipation[].

The seed contains 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[].

The species also has potential for medicinal uses as a source of phloretin, an antibiotic that is used in cosmetics, soaps, and cold creams[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used in windbreaks[].

Other Uses

A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[].
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[].

An oil obtained from the seed is suitable for use in light industry[].

The plant is a secondary genetic relative of the cultivated Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and is used as a genetic resource for cold tolerance and disease resistance[].

A very frost-resistant plant, it has the potential for use as a rootstock[, ]. It is used as a rootstock for the apricot in North Korea[].

The wood is very hard and durable. An attractive, high quality wood[, ].

Propagation

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[]. 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, mid summer in a frame[, ].
Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[].
Layering in spring.