Prunus subg. Cerasus

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Prunus cerasus - Köhler–s Medizinal-Pflanzen-113

Prunus subg. Cerasus

Prunus subg. Cerasus is a subgenus of the genus Prunus, which includes various species commonly known as cherries. This subgenus is characterized by trees and shrubs that produce stone fruits, which are typically small, round, and have a single hard pit or "stone" inside. The subgenus Cerasus is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

Members of the subgenus Cerasus are deciduous trees or shrubs that can vary greatly in size. They typically have simple, ovate leaves with serrated margins. The flowers are usually white or pink and bloom in clusters, often before the leaves appear in spring. The fruit, known as a drupe, is usually red, black, or yellow when mature and contains a single seed.

Species

The subgenus Cerasus includes several well-known species, such as:

• Prunus avium (wild cherry or sweet cherry)
• Prunus cerasus (sour cherry or tart cherry)
• Prunus fruticosa (dwarf cherry)
• Prunus mahaleb (Mahaleb cherry)
• Prunus pseudocerasus (Chinese cherry)

Cultivation and Uses

Cherries from the subgenus Cerasus are widely cultivated for their fruit, which is consumed fresh, dried, or used in cooking and baking. The wood of some species, particularly Prunus avium, is also valued for its use in furniture and woodworking.

Ecology

These plants are important for various pollinators, including bees, which are attracted to their flowers. The fruits are also a food source for many bird species and mammals.

Related Pages

• Prunus
• Cherry
• Fruit
• Deciduous
• Pollinator