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: Mongolian Cherry

General Information

Prunus fruticosa is a much-branched, deciduous shrub of low, spreading habit; it usually grows 20 - 100cm tall, occasionally reaching 200cm. The plant produces suckers, forming a thicket[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is occasionally grown as a fruit crop in gardens, is used as a rotstock for the cherry and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Prunus fruticosa is a widespread species that is reported to be stable in some parts of this range. 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

Eurasia - Germany and Italy, eastwards through Ciscaucasia to western Siberia, Kazakhstan and western China (Xinjiang)

Habitat

Thickets and dry grassland[]. Forest-steppes and steppe zone, broad-leaved forest margins, shrubby thickets, steppes and open dry slopes[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prunus fruiticosa is said to have withstood temperatures down to -45°c in its native habitat[].
Requires a sunny position[, ]. 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[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[]. Because of its ability to produce abundant root suckers Prunus fruticosa is suitable for cultivation on dry slopes and in ravines[].
This species is one of the ancestors of the varieties of cultivated cherry presumably produced by hybridization of Prunus fruticosa with Prunus avium. It is occasionally cultivated in fruit gardens in eastern regions, or as an ornamental[, ].
The plant deserves the attention of fruit growers, especially as a possible source of frost- and drought-resistant strains of cherry[].
There is a delicious dessert strain (Rannyaya Maiskaya early May - W. European strain) that has been directly derived from Prunus fruticosa by crossing it with a hybrid of cherry and mazzard cherry. In addition to the succulence of the fruit, it is also marked by a dwarf growth, which makes it possible to cultivate it in northern regions with heavy snow cover[].
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. Juicy, with a sour-sweet, sometimes tart flavour[, ]. A cherry-like flavour but very harsh and acid[, ]. A tart flavour, it can also be made into preserves or dried for later use[]. Slightly astringent and somewhat acid, but the fruit is mostly well-suited for stewing or processing to juice and for drying[]. The deep reddish-purple, globose fruit is about 15mm in diameter and contains one large seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. 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[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a revegetator[].

Other Uses

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

Prunus fruticosa belongs to the secondary Gene Pool of the Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement[].
Because of its high frost resistance and its easy propagation by spontaneous root-suckers, Prunus fruticosa is of great interest as rootstock for the cultivated cherries, especially in colder regions where growing cherries would otherwise be impossible[].
The plant is used as a rootstock for the Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus)[].

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.
Division of suckers during the dormant season. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.