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: Willow Cherry

General Information

Prunus incana is an erect, deciduous shrub of rather open, loose habit; it can grow 120 - 250cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes used as a rootstock and in plant breeding programmes, and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.
There is currently insufficient information available to evaluate this species. 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

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Range

W. Asia - Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Dagestan, Iran

Habitat

Dry rocky limestone slopes and cliffs, at elevations from 360 - 2,400 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prunus incana is found growing wild in a continental temperate climate and is well adapted to severe winter conditions with temperatures that can fall to around -20°c, and also to dry, hot summer conditions[, ].
Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[, ]. Judging by its native habitat, this plant should succeed on dry soils. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[, ]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[]. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
This species is closely related to Prunus prostrata[].
Plants often adopt a prostrate habit of growth[].
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. Rather small, the red, globose fruit is only around 7mm in diameter and contains one large seed[].
The fruit of most of the species in this section of Prunus is distinguished by its fleshiness and juiciness, as well as by its pleasant taste[].

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[].

Other Uses

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

As they are rather resistant to drought, the species of this section of the genus Prunus may be of interest as drought-resistant stock and as sources of drought-resistant strains by crossing with cultivated strains of cherry. They may also be useful in non-irrigated fruit growing areas as stock for regrafting with cultivated strains[].
The plant is used as a rootstock for the cultivated peach (Prunus persica)[].

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.