Prunus mahaleb aka Mahaleb Cherry

Prunus mahaleb, commonly known as the mahaleb cherry or St Lucie cherry, is a species of cherry tree native to central and southern Europe, Iran, and parts of central Asia. It is also found in the Mediterranean region and is believed to be naturalized in northwestern Europe. This deciduous tree or large shrub can reach heights of 2-10 meters, occasionally up to 12 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 40 cm. The mahaleb cherry tree has glossy, mid-green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. Its bark is grey-brown, with noticeable lenticels on young stems and shallow fissures on old trunks. The leaves, clustered at the end of alternating twigs, are ovate to cordate in shape, pointed, and have serrated edges. They measure 1.5-5 cm in length and 1-4 cm in width. The petiole, which may or may not have two glands, ranges from 5 to 20 mm in length. In mid to late spring, the mahaleb cherry tree produces small sprays of highly fragrant, bowl-shaped, white flowers. These flowers, arranged 3-10 together on a 3-4 cm long raceme, have a diameter of 8-20 mm, with an 8-15 mm pedicel. The main pollinators of these flowers are bees. Following pollination, the tree develops small, glossy, very bitter cherries. Initially green, the cherries ripen to a dark purple to black color, measuring 8-10 mm in diameter. While the cherries have a bitter flavor, they are cultivated for the spice obtained from the seeds inside the cherry stones. These seeds have a fragrant smell and a taste reminiscent of bitter almonds with cherry notes. Overall, Prunus mahaleb is a versatile tree appreciated for its ornamental value, fragrant flowers, and the unique spice derived from its cherry stones.