Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Rosales > Rosaceae > Prunus pumila > Prunus pumila var. besseyiPrunus pumila var. besseyi (Western sandcherry)Synonyms: Cerasus besseyi; Cerasus pumila besseyi (homotypic); Microcerasus pumila var. besseyi (homotypic); Prunus besseyi (homotypic); Prunus pumila besseyi (homotypic) | Edible [1] | May be edible. See the Plants For A Future link below for details. | | Flower Type [1] | Hermaphrodite | | Hazards [1] | Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death. | | Leaf Type [1] | Deciduous | | Pollinators [1] | Insects, Lepidoptera | | Structure [1] | Shrub | | Usage [1] | A green dye can be obtained from the leaves;
A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit;
The plant can be used as a rootstock for plums; It produces mostly dwarf trees that are poorly anchored; Prone to severe suckering; Compatible with most prunes, it is incompatible with damsons and Victoria plums; Resistant to 'Crown Gall'; Trees on this rootstock are productive and very cold hardy; Cuttings are often easy to root but seedlings vary widely; |  | | Height [1] | 3.936 feet (1.2 m) |
View Plants For A Future Record : Prunus pumila var. besseyi |
Species taxanomy provided by GBIF Secretariat (2022). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2023-06-13; License: CC BY 4.0
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