Prunus ulmifolia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prunus ulmifolia |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Prunus
|
| Species: |
ulmifolia
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
Prunus ulmifolia is a special kind of tree or shrub. It belongs to the Prunus group, which includes many well-known plants like cherries, plums, and almonds. This plant is originally from Central Asia.
For a long time, some people thought Prunus ulmifolia was the same as another plant called P. triloba. P. triloba is found in East Asia. However, scientists have found that these two plants are actually quite different. They have unique features in their leaves, flowers, and even their fruits.
What Makes Prunus ulmifolia Special?
Prunus ulmifolia has several features that help us tell it apart. Its leaves are simple and do not have any lobes or deep cuts. Think of them as being more oval or elm-like in shape.
Flowers and Fruits
The flowers of Prunus ulmifolia have a part called a calyx tube. This tube is shaped like a cylinder. It is the base part of the flower that holds the petals.
When it comes to fruits, Prunus ulmifolia produces a type of fruit called a drupe. Inside this fruit, there is a hard pit or "stone." This stone has tiny pits and grooves that look like a maze of branching lines. Also, the fruit of Prunus ulmifolia does not split open when it is ripe.
How Is It Different from Prunus triloba?
Even though they look similar, Prunus ulmifolia and Prunus triloba have clear differences. Knowing these differences helps scientists and plant lovers identify them correctly.
- Leaves: P. triloba has leaves that are slightly "trilobed." This means they have three small, rounded sections or lobes. P. ulmifolia leaves do not have these lobes.
- Flower Shape: The calyx tube of P. triloba flowers is shaped like a bell (campanulate). Remember, P. ulmifolia has a cylindrical calyx tube.
- Fruit Pits: The stone inside the fruit of P. triloba is smooth and "unpitted." In contrast, P. ulmifolia has stones with many small pits and branching lines.
- Fruit Splitting: When the fruit of P. triloba ripens, it often splits open. The fruit of P. ulmifolia does not do this.
These differences show that Prunus ulmifolia is a unique species. It is an important part of the plant life in Central Asia.
