ABSTRACT
References ......................................................................................................................................493
The genus
prunus
within the family Rosaceae encompasses a large number of fruit tree species bearing “stone fruits” in which the seed is encased within a hard, lignified endocarp referred to as the “stone.” The edible portion of the stone fruit is the juicy mesocarp. The major commercial stone fruit species are
P. persica
(L.) Batsch (peach, nectarine),
P. domestica
L. (European or prune plum),
P. salicina
Lindl. (Japanese plum),
P. cerasus
L. (sour cherry),
P. avium
L. (sweet cherry), and
P. armeniaca
L. (apricot). The almond (
P. amygdalus
Batsch) is a prunus species cultivated for its edible seed, the mesocarp being dry, leathery, and inedible.
