thumb|right|A blossom
thumb|Prunus japonica by [[Abraham Jacobus Wendel|A.J. Wendel, 1868]]
Prunus japonica (also Cerasus japonica), also called Japanese bush cherry, Oriental bush cherry, or Korean bush cherry is a shrub species in the genus Prunus that is widely cultivated for ornamental use. Its native range extends from Central China through to the Korean peninsula.
Description
The shrub reaches 1.5 m by 1.5 m. Its flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. The plant blossoms in May.
Other uses
The leaves of this plant procure a green dye, while the fruit procures a greenish to grayish dye.
Varieties
There are several varieties:
- P. japonica eujaponica
- P. japonica gracillima
- P. kerii
- P. japonica nakaii, originated from Manchuria, which gives bigger plums (up to 50 mm in diameter).
See also
- Cherry Blossom