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: Wild Himalayan Cherry

General Information

Prunus cerasoides is a deciduous tree usually growing around 3 - 10 metres tall but exceptionally reaching 30 metres[].
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, especially within its native range, and is often grown as an ornamental[, ].
Cerasus cerasoides is widespread across parts of eastern Asia. Deforestation is a threat to this species, however, it has been selected as an integral part of forest regeneration programs in northern Thailand and is therefore suspected to be present in numbers large enough to enable this. Despite this, there is still a lack of information regarding the species population size and trend and additional research into these areas would benefit the species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' 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

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Range

E. Asia - southern China (Yunnan, Xizang), northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, northern Thailand, northern Laos, northern Vietnam

Habitat

Forests in ravines; at elevations from 700 - 3,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prunus cerasoides is not very cold-hardy, tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures down to about -5°c.
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[]. Requires an open sunny sheltered position[].
This is a popular ornamental tree in northern Thailand with wild foraged seeds being planted along roadsides since around 1980[].
The plant is cultivated for its edible fruit[].
A sacred plant in Hindu mythology, the tree has cultural importance in Thailand and India. Local people never cut the whole tree and use only its twigs in rituals, as the wood is forbidden to be used as fuel. As a result, it is common to observe old trees of Wild Himalayan Cherry in these areas[]
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[, , , ]. Acid and astringent, they are only occasionally eaten raw but are more often cooked or processed to brandy[, ]. The purplish-black, ovoid fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed[, ].

Gum - chewed. Obtained from the trunk, it can be employed as a substitute for gum tragacanth[], see Astragalus spp.

Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

The fruit is astringent[].

The juice of the bark is applied externally to treat backaches[].

The oil is used for pharmaceutical purposes[].

This species has medicinal properties, including applying the juice of the bark to treat backaches[].

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[].

Agroforestry Uses:

This species is a significant source of nectar for bees[].

Other Uses

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

The seeds are used as beads in necklaces and rosaries[, , , ].

The plant is a tertiary genetic relative and graft stock relative of the cultivated Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement[].

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The heartwood is red with a pretty silver grain; the sapwood is white. The attractively coloured wood is moderately hard, strong, durable, aromatic and resistant to termites. It is used in carpentry and for ornamental furniture[, , ]. The branches, suckers and saplings are used to make walking sticks[, , , ].
Wild populations are a source of timber[].
A sacred plant in Hindu mythology, the plant has cultural importance in Thailand and India. Local people never cut the whole tree and use only its twigs in rituals, as the wood is forbidden to be used as fuel[].

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.