Prunus apetala


Prunus apetala is a species of flowering cherry in the genus Prunus in the family Rosaceae. It is called clove cherry, because of its clovebud-shaped calyx. It is native to Japan, centered on the main island, Honshu.

Description

Shrub or small tree.
  • Height: To 5.5 m.
  • Leaves: Obovate leaves reach 5–10 cm in length. Leaf tips are slender; leaf margins double-toothed. Petioles and upper leaf surfaces are hairy.
  • Inflorescences: Flowers in May.
  • * Petals: Range in color from white to pink; small, 'soon falling'.
  • * Calyx: Purple.
  • * Stamens: Purple.
  • * Pedicels: 1.25-1.9 cm in length.
  • Fruit: Black in color, roundish-oval in shape.
  • * Peduncle: Peduncle ranges in length from 2.5 to 3.8 cm.

    Etymology

Prunus is the ancient Latin name for plum trees. The specific epithet apetala is derived from Greek, meaning 'without petals', due to their habit of dropping off the flowers soon after they are formed.