Prunus napaulensis

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 20 m tall. The bark is smooth and dark brown. The leaves are 6-18 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They have fine teeth along the edge. The flowers are white. The fruit are oval and 15 mm long by 13 mm wide. They become purplish-black when ripe. There is one large seed.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows between 1,600-2,600 m above sea level in the Himalayas. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are eaten raw or cooked. They are also made into juice. The seeds are cooked and eaten providing they are not too bitter due to cyanide. Cooking can remove cyanide.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Arupate, Bamhalu, Bhambhalu, Delaoji, Lamum, Mesu, Ngau chi, Runi, Samum

Synonyms

Cerasus napaulensis Ser.; Padus glaucifolia Wall. ex M. Roem.; Padus napaulensis (Ser.) C. K. Schneid.;