Prunus brigantina aka Brianon Apricot

Prunus brigantina, the Briançon apricot, belongs to the rose family. Its native range runs from France into northwestern Italy. It grows on dry, stony slopes in the Maritime and Cottian Alps. This deciduous plant can form a shrub or small tree. It reaches about 20 feet [6 metres] and grows at a moderate rate. Plants observed at Kew bore fruit at just 5 feet [1.5 metres].

The flowers open in May and contain both male and female organs. Insects pollinate them. The yellow fruit looks like a small plum. Each fruit measures about 1.2 inches [3 centimetres] across and holds one large seed. Seeds ripen from August to September. Reports differ on how good the fruit tastes. One account calls it poor eating. PFAF observers found sweet flesh with a mealy texture. They also saw good crops on plants only six years old.

Choose sun for the best fruit crop, though partial shade also suits it. A woodland edge or lightly shaded garden can provide a suitable site. It grows best in loam that drains well yet holds moisture. It also accepts sandy soil and clay. The listed soil range spans mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions. Some lime suits it, but too much can cause chlorosis. It accepts dry or moist ground. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9.

The fruit can be eaten fresh or cooked. The seeds yield an edible oil used in France instead of olive oil. PFAF also lists seeds as food, but warns against eating bitter ones. Its poison warning draws on the genus, not confirmed findings for this species. That distinction leaves species-specific safety uncertain. The seed oil also serves as lamp fuel and has a scent. Leaves yield green dye, while fruit yields dark grey to green dye.

Propagation is possible by seed, cuttings, or layering. Seeds need two to three months of cold treatment. Even then, germination may take 18 months. Protect sown seeds from mice. Young seedlings need a sheltered first winter in a greenhouse or cold frame. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer. Half-ripe cuttings suit July and August, while layering starts in spring.