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: Black Apricot

General Information

Prunus × dasycarpa is a deciduous tree that can grow 4 - 7 metres tall[].
The tree is cultivated as a fruit crop in some areas, especially in Asia.

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

The original habitat is obscure, this species is possibly a hybrid Prunus armeniaca x Prunus cerasifera.

Habitat

Not known in the wild.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

The tree is as hardy as an apple when dormant but, flowering as it does early in the year, the blossoms can be damaged by late frosts[, , ]. It grows best in regions with hot summers and a clear distinction between seasons. In areas with mild winters the plant can be excited into growth too early in the season, making it more susceptible to frost damage. It can be possible in such a situation to grow the plant against a sunny wall in order to give some protection against frost and also extra summer hear[].
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[, ]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[]. Requires a sunny position[].
This species is occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, especially in western China, Kashmir, Russia and southwestern Asia[, ].
The flowers can be fertilized by Prunus cerasifera or by Prunus armeniaca[].
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[, , ]. The succulent, plum-like fruit has a soft juicy flesh that is sub-acid to acid[]. It has an apricot flavour[]. One report says that the fruit is sour[]. It can also be used to make marmalade[]. The dark purplish red to black, globose fruit is about 30 - 40mm in diameter and contains one large seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. Rich in oils and protein[]. The seed usualy has a bitter flavour, though occasional sweet forms are known[]. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

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[].

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[].

Because of its late blooming and frost resistance this species is interesting for breeding work[].

The wood is of high quality, but is generally too small for commercial use[].

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. A hybrid species, it will not breed true from seed.
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.