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: Chinese Wild Peach

General Information

Prunus davidiana is a deciduous tree with a more or less spreading crown; it can grow up to 10 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes used as a rootstock, and is grown as an ornamental in gardens.
Amygdalus davidiana is widespread in China, occurring in a number of habitat types. It is also likely to occur in a number of existing protected areas so may be subject to a level of passive conservation. In addition to this, the establishment of active management and monitoring of populations in existing protected areas will help to ensure its long-term survival. 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

, ,

Range

E. Asia - northern and central China.

Habitat

Forests, thickets, slopes, mountain valleys and waste fields; at elevations from 800 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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[, ].
There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[].
Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[].
Plants flower very early in the year and the flowers are often damaged by late frosts[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The seed is used in China as a flavouring in confectionery and some special dishes. They are somewhat bitter due to the presence of prussic acid so should be used in strict moderation[, ].

Fruit[]. The yellowish, spherical, downy fruit is about 3cm in diameter and contains one large seed[, ].

Medicinal

The seed is analgesic, antiasthmatic, anticoagulant, antitussive, aperient, emollient and haemolytic[]. It s used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, traumatic pain due to blood stasis, constipation of aged and debilitated patients, coughs and asthma[].
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[].

Other Uses

The plant is used as a disease-resistant low-chill rootstock for the cultivated peach, Prunus persica[].

Amygdalus davidiana is a primary genetic relative of the cultivated Peach (Prunus persica) and Almond (Prunus dulcis) and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement[]. The species has considerable resistance to frost, heat and drought and is used therefore as rootstock for plums, almonds and peaches in China, Korea and S Russia[].

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

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.