Prunus

Prunus is a genus of trees and shrubs, which includes the fruits cherries, plums, and peaches. The genus is classified under the family Rosaceae and is native to the northern temperate regions.

Description[edit | edit source]

Prunus species are generally characterized by their hard, woody stems and their production of drupes, a type of fruit that includes a single seed enclosed by a hard shell. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and usually serrated. The flowers are usually white to pink, with five petals and sepals.

Species[edit | edit source]

There are around 430 species within the Prunus genus. Some of the most well-known include:

Prunus avium, the wild cherry or sweet cherry
Prunus cerasus, the sour cherry
Prunus domestica, the common plum
Prunus persica, the peach
Prunus armeniaca, the apricot

Uses[edit | edit source]

Many Prunus species are cultivated for their fruits and for decorative purposes. Cherries, plums, and peaches are all commercially important fruits. Some species, such as the Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel, are grown as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers and foliage.

See also[edit | edit source]

Prunus Resources
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