Prunus aka Almond, Cherry, Plum

Prunus is a diverse genus of trees and shrubs that encompasses a wide range of species, including plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and almonds. These plants are native to various regions, such as North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. With a classification of 430 different species, Prunus is highly regarded for its fruit production and ornamental value. The fruits of Prunus, known as drupes or stone fruits, consist of a fleshy mesocarp that is edible. However, the endocarp forms a hard shell called the pyrena or pit, which is inedible. Within this shell lies the seed or kernel, which is edible in certain species like almonds but can be poisonous in others like apricots. Apart from being enjoyed fresh, Prunus fruits are commonly used in various processing methods, including jam production, canning, drying, and roasting of the seeds. Among the different cultivars, there is a self-fertile sweet cherry that produces abundant white blossoms in spring, followed by dark red fruits with sweet flesh. This particular cultivar is less vigorous, reaching a height of 2-3 meters, making it suitable for growing in containers. Its cropping season occurs in early July, and it belongs to pollination group 3. Another noteworthy Prunus species is Prunus serrulata Kanzan, a medium-sized deciduous tree. When young, it forms a stiffly vased shape with powerful main branches, later spreading to a width of 5 to 8 meters.