Prunus

Prunus is a genus of trees and shrubs, which includes the fruits cherries, plums, and peaches. The genus is classified under the family Rosaceae and is native to the northern temperate regions.

Description

Prunus species are generally characterized by their hard, woody stems and their production of drupes, a type of fruit that includes a single seed enclosed by a hard shell. The leaves are simple, lanceolate, and usually serrated. The flowers are usually white to pink, with five petals and sepals.

Species

There are around 430 species within the Prunus genus. Some of the most well-known include:

• Prunus avium, the wild cherry or sweet cherry
• Prunus cerasus, the sour cherry
• Prunus domestica, the common plum
• Prunus persica, the peach
• Prunus armeniaca, the apricot

Uses

Many Prunus species are cultivated for their fruits and for decorative purposes. Cherries, plums, and peaches are all commercially important fruits. Some species, such as the Prunus laurocerasus, the cherry laurel, are grown as ornamental plants for their attractive flowers and foliage.

See also

• List of Prunus species
• Cherry
• Plum
• Peach

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