Prunus argentea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus argentea |
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Prunus argentea, also known as the silver almond, is a type of wild almond plant. It grows in a region called the Levant (which includes countries like Lebanon and Syria), as well as in Turkey, Iraq, and western Iran.
This plant is a shrub that can grow from about 0.5 to 3 meters (1.6 to 10 feet) tall. It has rough bark that is gray or brown. Its leaves look silvery white because they are covered in tiny, soft hairs, which is why it's called the "silver almond."
The leaves have a small stem called a petiole, which is about 1 to 5 millimeters long. The main part of the leaf is usually 10 to 44 millimeters long and 10 to 23 millimeters wide.
The flowers of the silver almond are pale pink or pink. They have red parts at their base called hypanthia and sepals. Each flower grows on a small stalk, which gets longer as the fruit develops.
You can find Prunus argentea growing in different places. It likes open oak forests, rocky hillsides, dry areas with silt, and steep stream banks. It grows at elevations from 500 to 2000 meters (about 1,640 to 6,560 feet) above sea level. Scientists have studied its genetics and believe its closest plant relative is Prunus haussknechtii.
What is the Silver Almond Used For?
The silver almond is sometimes grown in gardens in warmer parts of Europe. People like it because its rose-pink flowers smell nice and its silvery leaves look pretty. However, it needs to be planted in a protected spot to grow well.
