Prunus maximowiczii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus maximowiczii |
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| Prunus maximowiczii, Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois | |
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The Prunus maximowiczii, also called the Korean cherry or Miyama cherry, is a small tree. It grows to about 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall. This cherry tree produces tasty fruits. You can find it growing wild in parts of Asia, like Northeast Asia and Eurasia.
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About the Korean Cherry
How Scientists Name Plants
Scientists use a special system to name all living things. This system is called taxonomy. It helps everyone around the world know exactly which plant or animal they are talking about.
The Prunus maximowiczii was first named in 1857 by a scientist named Franz Josef Ruprecht. Later, another scientist, Vladimir Leontyevich Komarov, thought it belonged to a different group called Cerasus. However, most scientists today still use the original name, Prunus maximowiczii.
What the Tree Looks Like
The Korean cherry tree has white flowers that bloom in May if it's in the Northern Hemisphere. If it's in the Southern Hemisphere, they bloom in November. These flowers are pollinated by insects and have both male and female parts.
The tree also grows small, edible fruits. These fruits are cherries, and they are about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) wide. Each cherry has one large seed inside. The fruits are ready to eat in August in the Northern Hemisphere and in February in the Southern Hemisphere.
Where the Korean Cherry Grows
You can find the Prunus maximowiczii growing in several countries in Asia. These include Korea, parts of China (like Heilong Jiang and Jilin), and Russia (such as Khabarovsk and Primorye). It also grows in Japan, on islands like Hokkaidō, Honshū, and Kyūshū.
This tree often grows in mountain areas and woodlands. It prefers to grow in clayey soil.
How People Use the Tree
The Prunus maximowiczii is useful in many ways. People can eat the fruits, which are small cherries. The flowers can also be used as a special seasoning for food. Sometimes, the flowers are preserved in salty water.
The wood from the Korean cherry tree is very strong and heavy. It has a fine grain, which means it's good for making things like carvings and furniture.
People can also make dyes from this tree. Dyes made from the leaves are green. Dyes made from the fruit can be a dark gray or green color.
