Petunnikov almond, Turkestan almond
Prunus petunnikowii

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It usually grows in colonies. It is strongly branching and grows 1 m high. It does not have thorns. The bark is brownish-grey. The leaves do not have hairs and they are 2-3 cm long by 3-5 mm wide. There are teeth along the edge. The flowers are pink and open the same time as the leaves. The nut is 1.2-2.5 cm long by 1.2-1.6 cm wide. The fruit is hairy and has a red covering. The kernel is very bitter but contains an edible oil.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Kazakhstan it grows on shallow stony soils between 1,400-2,000 m altitude. It is winter hardy and drought resistant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Nuts - oil

How it is grown

A nut weighs 0.7 g. Nuts contain 58% edible oil.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amygdalus petunnikowii Litv.;