Prunus cornuta (Wall. Ex. Royle) Steud.

Description :

A medium sized deciduous tree 15 to 18 m tall with diameters of 50 to 60 cm. The leaves are simple, 10 to 15 cm long. The bark is smooth brown to purple in color. The white flowers grow in 10 to 15 cm long bunches or groups and bloom between April and June. The fruit is small 0.6 to 1 cm in diameter and matures from June to October. It is reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. Yields of 3 to 6 m³/ha/yr has been recorded. Heights of 20 m with diameters of 75 cm have also been observed. It has been destroyed in some areas of its natural range through heavy lopping. Special care is needed to ensure that it is retained in its natural range. Very fine, straight, even textured grains. Sapwood is white, and heartwood is reddish brown. Moderately hard, heavy having specific gravity of 0.66.

Distribution :

The tree is native to South-Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In Pakistan it occurs in Azad Kashmir, Hazara, Murree Hills, Kurram, Chitral and Swat. A tolerant tree that grows on sandy loam soil that is well drained but prefers a moist site. It is adapted to a precipitation zone of 750 to 1500 mm/yr or more, in a temperature range of -10 to 25°C. It prefers a humid, cool, cold temperate, subtropical monsoon climate.

Uses :

This tree has the potential to control erosion on steep hillsides. It should be used in problem watersheds, because of its growth rate and ease of reproduction. It is easily coppiced. It has no observed insect or disease problems of significance. Once planted it spreads rapidly by means of root sprouts. Birds will eat the fruit and spread the seed. Also used as fuel, agriculture implements, furniture, erosion control, textile bobbins, wheels and carts, and fodder.