Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Prunus japonica

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Kingdom
  
Plantae

Family
  
Subgenus
  
Cerasus

Higher classification
  
Order
  
Genus
  
Scientific name
  
Prunus japonica

Rank
  
Species

Prunus japonica Fruit of Prunus japonica in KMNP Kinmen National Park Digital Archives

Similar
  
Prunus, Rosaceae, Prunus tomentosa, Prunus glandulosa, Prunus maximowiczii

Prunus japonica (also Cerasus japonica), also called Japanese bush cherry, or Oriental bush cherry, is a shrub species in the genus Prunus, that is widely cultivated for ornamental use. Its native range extends from Central China through to the Korean peninsula. P. maximowiczii, the Miyama cherry is also often referred to as Japanese bush cherry.

Contents

Prunus japonica wwwpfaforgAdminPlantImagesPrunusJaponica2jpg

Description

Prunus japonica Prunus japonica Thunberg

The shrub reaches 1.5 m by 1.5 m. Its flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. The plant blossoms in May. Its fruit reaches about 14 mm and has an agreeably sweet flavor, therefore it is used in making pies, but its taste is quite sour, reminiscent of that of Sour cherry.

Prunus japonica Prunus japonica Thunberg

Each fruit has one seed. The plant usually grows from seed but can also be propagated through cutting or layering.

Habitat

Prunus japonica Prunus japonica P humilis YU LI REN Bushcherry seed Eastern

The plant thrives on well-drained and moist loamy soil and prefers little shade or no shade at all. The plant prefers some lime in the soil but not too much. It is mostly found at woodlands or sunny places.

Other uses

The leaves of this plant procure a green dye, while the fruit procures a greenish to grayish dye.

Varieties

There are several varieties:


  • P. japonica eujaponica
  • P. japonica gracillima
  • P. kerii
  • P. japonica nakaii, originated from Manchuria, which gives bigger plums (up to 50 mm in diameter).

  • Prunus japonica Prunus japonica Thunberg

    References

    Prunus japonica Wikipedia