The status of this species is uncertain. It is recognized as distinct in the Flora of the USSR[, and in The Plant List, but it is treated as a synonym of Prunus tenella in GRIN.
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:

General Information

Prunus ledebouriana is a more or less erect, deciduous shrub growing 150 - 200cm tall[].
The fruit is commonly harvested from the wild for the production of almond oil[]
This species has a very small extent of occurrence. Its distribution is severely fragmented and there are continuing declines in area, extent and quality of habitat. The fruit is commonly harvested from the wild for the production of almond oil, and this is having a negative effect on the plant's ability to reproduce. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' 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

Central Asia - eastern Kazakhstan

Habitat

Meadow hollows, mountain steppe plateaus and slopes, mixed forb steppes at foot of mountain ranges, in river valleys[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	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[, ].
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

Used for almond oil production[]. We have no more information for this species. However, it is closely related to Prunus tenella, whose oil obtained from the seed is used as an almond flavouring that is inferior to the bitter almond oil obtained from the almond (Prunus dulcis)[].

Since this species is closely related to Prunus tenella (and is possibly no more than a synonym) it is likely to also have the following uses listed for Prunus tenella:-

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is quite variable in quality, the best forms are somewhat mealy with a fairly nice flavour[]. The whitish, straw yellow, ovate or orbicular -ovate fruit is about 10 - 25mm long and 12 - 20mm wide; it contains one large seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. Kernels of the fruits are used to prepare bitter almond butter[]. 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[].

Since this species is closely related to Prunus tenella (and is possibly no more than a synonym) it is likely to also have the following uses listed for Prunus tenella:-

Used as a frost-resistant rootstock for the almond (Prunus dulcis)[].

This species is a secondary genetic relative of the Peach (Prunus persica) and Almond (Prunus dulcis), and so it has the potential for use as a gene donor for crop improvement. It has already been used in research into self-incompatibility and micropropagation[].

The kernel contains bitter almond oil and is used for the production of an inferior almond oil as well as for bitter almond water which can be applied officinally instead of laurel cherry water[].

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[, ].
Cuttings of mature wood, early autumn in a sheltered north facing border outdoors[].
Layering in spring.