Prunus fremontii is a North American species of plants in the rose family, known by the common name desert apricot.[3] It takes its scientific name from John C. Frémont.[4] It is found in northern and western Baja California especially, mostly Pacific and western, and the adjacent area of southern California. It also occurs in northern Baja California Sur.[5][6][7]

Prunus fremontii
Flowers in Palm Springs, California
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Prunus
Species:
P. fremontii
Binomial name
Prunus fremontii
Natural range of Prunus fremontii
Synonyms[2]
  • Prunus fremonti S.Watson
  • Prunus eriogyna S.C. Mason
  • Amygdalus fremontii (S.Watson) Abrams
  • Emplectocladus fremontii (S.Watson) Dayton

Description

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Prunus fremontii is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching up to 5 metres (16 feet) in height. The flowers are white or pink, blooming about the same time as the leaves unfurl in the spring. The fruits are yellow and egg-shaped.[8]

Uses

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The fruits are an important food for Native American groups, such as the Cahuilla.[9]

References

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  1. ^ Potter, D. (2021). "Prunus fremontii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T61615642A61615669. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T61615642A61615669.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ The Plant List, Prunus fremontii S.Watson
  3. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "​Prunus fremontii​". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  4. ^ Michael L. Charters. "Botanical Names: F". California Plant Names: Latin and Greek Meanings and Derivations. Sierra Madre, CA. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
  5. ^ Calflora taxon report, University of California, Prunus fremontii S. Watson desert apricot
  6. ^ SEINet, Southwestern Biodiversity, Arizona chapter photos and distribution map
  7. ^ Tropicos, Prunus fremontii S. Watson
  8. ^ Flora of North America, Prunus fremontii S. Watson 1880.Desert apricot
  9. ^ University of Michigan, Ethnobotany
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