Prunus japonica Thunb.
Fully-hardy dwarf shrub or small tree with serrated, ovate leaves, and white, blush or pink flowers, often double in cultivated forms, appearing before the leaves in spring. A number of garden forms exist. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The country of which Amygdalus pumila is a native, is by no means certain; Persoon attributes it to China, and the African origin given it by Linnaeus, is doubtful; being derived solely from Herman, who apparently speaks only from memory; for although he says he found it growing luxuriantly at the Cape, he acknowledges that he introduced it into the Dutch gardens, from the English, in which, on his return to Europe, he found it was not uncommon.’ The plant is shown with pink flowers. [BM t.2176/1820]. Prunus japonica Ker var. flore pleno was figured in the Illustration Horticole [IH p.183, vol.5/1858]. Synonyms given include Prunus sinensis Pluk., Prunus humilis Bunge., and Amygdalus pumila L. Johnson’s Dictionary describes Amygdalus pumila as a double dwarf shrub, introduced from China in 1683.
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1845 and 1850 catalogues. It is likely that Macarthur’s plants were double as he sent a ‘double blossom cherry’ to J. Abbott of Hobart on 16th June 1846. [MP A2933-2, p.159].
Notes
The plant listed in Hilliers’ as Prunus japonica Thunb. appears to be a form introduced to Europe much later.
Published Feb 18, 2009 - 04:37 PM | Last updated Feb 04, 2010 - 12:38 PM
Prunus japonica Thunb. | BM t.2176/1820 | BHL
| Family | Rosaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | China |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Flowering cherry, Flowering almond |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Amygdalus pumila |
| Confidence level | high |