Prunus cerasus austera
| Prunus cerasus | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 30' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Prunus cerasus austera (common name: morello cherry)
Propagation: Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[1]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[1]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[2]. 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, July/August in a frame[2].
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.
Cultivation: Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil[3][1]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[4]. Prefers an acid soil according to another report[5]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[3][1]. Plants succeed when grown against a north-facing wall, the fruit ripens later in this position thus extending the season[3][K].
Hardy to about -20°c[6].
This subspecies covers the cultivated bitter cherries known as Morello cherries[3]. They have been long cultivated for their edible fruit and there are several named varieties[1].
Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[7]. Plants produce suckers freely[6].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[1].
Range: S.E. Europe to W. Asia.
Habitat: Not known in the wild[3].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked[4][8][5][3][9]. The fruit is neither bitter nor sweet, but is pleasantly acid[3] and it can be eaten out of hand, used in pies, preserves etc or dried for later use[10]. The fruit has a dark juice[3]. The fruit is about 18mm in diameter and contains one large seed[1].
Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
An edible oil is obtained from the seed[11][12]. When refined it is used as a salad oil[10].
The leaves are used as a tea substitute[11][12][10].
A gum obtained from the trunk is used for chewing[12][13].
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[7].
Usage: An edible drying oil obtained from the seed is also used in cosmetics[12].
The gum obtained from the stem is also used as an adhesive[12][13].
Plants can be grown as a hedge[14], succeeding in fairly exposed positions[K].
A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[15].
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[15].
Pollinators: Bees
Notes: This would grow well on the north wall of the house. The fruit is quite a nice dessert when fully ripe.
We could supply in 2000, but you should be able to get hold of it now from a garden centre.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mabey, Richard. Food for Free. Collins, 1974.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Hedrick, Ulysses. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications, 1972.
- ↑ Loewenfeld, Claire and Philippa Back. Britain's Wild Larder. David and Charles.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Howes, Frank. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Chronica Botanica, 1949.
- ↑ Tutin, Tom et al.. Flora Europaea. Cambridge University Press, 1964.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.