Prunus mahaleb aka Mahaleb Cherry

Taxonomy

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.

Common names

Mahaleb Cherry, Perfumed Cherry, Rock Cherry

How to care for Mahaleb Cherry

Difficulty

Mahaleb Cherry requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Mahaleb Cherry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

When growing Mahaleb Cherry, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Mahaleb Cherry with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Mahaleb Cherry from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Mahaleb Cherry regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Mahaleb Cherry will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Mahaleb Cherry prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Mahaleb Cherry is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia