Prunus vachuschtii facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Prunus vachuschtii
In fruit
Scientific classification

Prunus vachuschtii is a special type of plum tree. It is also known by its Georgian name, Georgian: ალუჩა, romanized: alucha. This plant grows naturally in the Caucasus region, which is a mountain area between Europe and Asia.

What is Prunus vachuschtii Used For?

The fruit are green even when ripe

In Georgia, people enjoy eating the fruit of Prunus vachuschtii fresh. The fruit stays green even when it is ripe. It is also used to make a popular sour sauce called tkemali. This tart sauce is often served with meat dishes.

Even though Prunus vachuschtii is very similar to another plum called Prunus cerasifera (the cherry plum), people in Georgia see them as different. They use them differently in cooking too. P. vachuschtii usually grows in lower areas, from sea level up to about 500–700 meters high. P. cerasifera prefers higher places, growing up to 1600–1800 meters.

How is Prunus vachuschtii Classified?

A scientist named N. N. Bregadze officially described Prunus vachuschtii in 1976. When he studied the plant, he found three slightly different kinds, or "forms," of this species. These forms are called Prunus vachuschtii f. imeretinea, P. v. f. meczibuche, and P. v. f. vachuschtii. This means that even within the same species, there can be small variations.