prunus

• prunus domestica

  • products
  • fruit
  • 
  • prunus_domestica
  • type: deciduous fruit tree of the rosaceae family
  • properties
    • root: moderately deep root system, fibrous and branching. benefits from well-aerated soils
    • stem: straight trunk with rough grey-brown bark. branches spread outward
    • leaf: alternate, ovate to oblong, 4–10 cm long, serrated edge, deep green
      • leaf-length:: 4–10 cm
    • flower: white, five-petaled, borne in clusters in early spring before leaves appear
    • fruit: drupe (plum), oval or round (3–8 cm), skin varies from yellow to purple, flesh sweet or tart with a hard seed
    • bark: rough, grey-brown, occasionally used in traditional medicine
    • timber: dense, moderately hard, fine-textured, used in crafts and tool handles
    • environment:: prefers temperate climates with cold winters and warm summers, fertile, well-drained soils
      • climate:: temperate with chill periods for flowering and fruiting. tolerates some drought once established
        • sun:: 600–900 W/m²
        • no-sun-days:: 10–20 days
        • water:: 800–1200 mm/year
        • no-water-days:: 30–45 days
        • humidity:: 40–70 %
        • fog-resistance:: 7–10 days
        • max-temp:: 38 °C
        • optimal-temp:: 18–26 °C
        • min-temp:: –20 °C
        • wind-damage:: strong-dry, cold-snap, hail
      • soil:: well-drained loamy soil with moderate fertility. sensitive to waterlogging
        • soil-ph:: 6.0–7.5
        • soil-type:: loamy, sandy-loam, silty-loam
      • spacing:: 4–6 m between trees depending on variety and pruning method
        • good-neighbors:: allium, comfrey, trifolium, lavandula
        • bad-neighbors:: juglans, eucalyptus
        • max-height:: 600 cm
        • max-spread:: 500 cm
    • lifecycle
      • longevity:: 30–50 years
      • germination:: seeds germinate in 30–60 days after stratification (cold treatment). usually grafted for production
      • seedling:: slow in first year, prefers filtered sun and moist, well-aerated soil
      • mature:: begins flowering and fruiting 3–5 years after planting (grafted), with annual harvests
      • death:: productivity declines after 25–35 years; root diseases and borer insects can accelerate death
    • features: deciduous, edible fruit, attract pollinators, cold-hardy, spring-flowering
    • layer: canopy, sub-canopy
    • products: fresh plum, dried plum (prunes), juice, jam, vinegar, seed oil, leaf infusion, bark decoction, timber
    • chemical compounds

  compound	plant part	% amount	description
  ------------------------	----------------	------------------	---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  dietary fiber	fruit (fresh)	~2–4%	promotes digestion and gut motility
  sorbitol	fruit	~5–10%	sugar alcohol with mild laxative effect
  vitamin c	fruit	~5–10 mg/100g	antioxidant, supports immune health
  anthocyanins	fruit skin	~0.1–0.5%	pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  chlorogenic acid	fruit	~0.1–0.2%	antioxidant, supports metabolic function
  cyanogenic glycosides	seed, bark	~0.05–0.1%	potential toxicity, traditional use in controlled dosages
  tannins	leaf, bark	~3–7%	astringent, antimicrobial, used in folk medicine
  flavonoids	leaf, fruit	~0.5–1%	antioxidant, supports capillary strength and anti-inflammatory actions
  essential oils	flower	trace <0.1%	aromatic compounds with calming and pollinator-attracting effects
  lignin, cellulose	timber	~50–70%	structural polymers in woody tissue used in crafts and tools

  • operations
    • propagate plants: typically grafted onto rootstock for uniformity and early fruiting. seedlings require stratification
    • maintenance: annual winter pruning to shape and encourage fruiting wood. mulch and composting recommended. control fungal leaf spots
    • harvest:
      • fruit: harvested when firm-ripe and aromatic, ripening varies with cultivar
      • leaves: used in traditional teas for constipation and blood sugar regulation
      • bark: sometimes decocted for digestive and respiratory treatments
      • timber: obtained from pruned or old trees, used in small woodwork and tools

  traditional medicine recipes

  prune decoction for constipation and digestion

  • ingredients
    • 5–7 dried prunes
    • 2 cups of water
  • instructions
    • soak the prunes in water overnight.
    • in the morning, boil the mixture for 10–15 minutes.
    • strain and let cool slightly.
    • drink 1 cup in the morning on an empty stomach.
  • uses
    • traditionally used as a natural laxative for relieve constipation. prunes are rich in sorbitol and dietary fiber, which promote bowel movements and digestive health.
  • plum bark tea for diarrhea
  • ingredients
    • 1 tablespoon of dried plum bark (shredded)
    • 1.5 cups of water
  • instructions
    • boil the bark in water for 15 minutes.
    • strain and cool.
    • drink 1/2 cup, 2 times per day until symptoms subside.
  • uses
    • used in folk medicine to treat mild diarrhea and intestinal inflammation due to the astringent tannins in the bark.
  • fresh plum juice for liver and skin health
  • ingredients
    • 4–5 ripe plums
    • optional: a few mint leaves
  • instructions
    • wash and remove seeds from the plums.
    • blend the pulp with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
    • strain (optional) and drink once daily.
  • uses
    • consumed to support liver function and skin clarity due to the antioxidant compounds like vitamin c and phenolics.
  • plum leaf compress for skin rashes and inflammation
  • ingredients
    • 6–8 fresh plum leaves
    • a small amount of warm water
  • instructions
    • crush the leaves into a coarse paste.
    • apply directly to irritated or inflamed skin.
    • cover with a clean cloth or gauze.
    • leave for 20–30 minutes, then rinse gently.
  • uses
    • used topically to reduce inflammation and soothe rashes. plum leaves contain tannins and chlorogenic acid, which have calming and antimicrobial properties.
  • plum flower infusion for relaxation
  • ingredients
    • 1 tablespoon dried plum flowers
    • 1 cup hot water
  • instructions
    • steep flowers in hot water for 10 minutes.
    • strain and drink warm.
    • use once daily in the evening.
  • uses
    • mildly calming, used in traditional practices to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. the floral infusion is gentle and safe for most people.
  • high potential for highland magic

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• prunus dulcis

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• prunus persica

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• prunus armeniaca

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  • high potential for highland magic

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• prunus avium

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• prunus cerasus

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• prunus serrulata

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