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: Nanking Cherry

General Information

Prunus tomentosa is a deciduous shrub of spreading habit; it can grow 100 - 200cm tall and around twice as wide. It rarely becomes more tree-like and can then grow up to 300cm tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, and is sold in local markets[]. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop in Asia, and is commonly grown as an ornamental[].

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 - Mongolia, northern and central China, Korea, northwest India

Habitat

Slopes and in ravines, at elevations from 1,700 - 2,400 metres in the Himalayas[]. Forest on mountain slopes, forest margins, thickets and meadows; at elevations from 100 - 3,700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prunus tomentosa is a very cold-hardy plant, usually flowering freely but not always fruiting well, especially in areas with cool summers.
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[]. Grows well in partial shade[], though it fruits better when in a sunny position[, ]. Requires a sheltered position[]. Thrives in hot summers[].
Because of its drought and frost resistance the Nanking-cherry can be grown on sites, which are unsuitable for sour cherries[].
Cultivated in Asia for its edible fruits, there are some named varieties[, , ]. The fruits are not freely borne in Britain[].
Prunus tomentosa is cultivated in N. America as a landscape plant in hedges and as a background shrub because of its spreading habit and pale pink to white petals. It produces edible fruits that are said to make excellent jelly and juice[].
The flowers are produced on the previous years 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[, ]. Juicy, sub-acid to sweet[, , , , ]. The unripe fruits can be pickled[, ]. The fruits have a somewhat inferior flavour to sour cherries but can be used similarly: processed to juice, jam and wine, or canned[]. The bright red, globose fruit is about 8 - 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.

The buds are cooked and eaten[]. (Is this the flower or leaf buds?)

The leaves are used for pickling of vegetables and mushrooms[].

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 grown on the Great Plains in the USA as a hedgerow to provide protection from the wind[].

Other Uses

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

Used as dwarfing rootstocks for cherries. Interspecific hybrids are tested in Germany for this purpose[].

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.