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Summary
Briançon Apricot (P. brigantina), native to southwest France, has yellow plum fruits similar to the common apricot (P. armeniaca). An edible oil called ‘huille des marmottes’ is obtained from the seed. The genus Prunus includes deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with showy spring flowers and good autumn leaf colour; some have attractive ornamental bark. Prunus includes several species developed for fruit and nut production, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, almonds, and plums. Other species are useful in food forests for their seed and fruit. Most edible fruit from this genus is eaten raw, cooked or dried for later use. Seeds are edible, but if they are bitter, eat them in strict moderation. Several Prunus species will succeed in light shade but fruit better in a sunny position. The seeds of all members of this genus could be used for oil extraction. The extracted oil is semi-drying. Consume in small quantities if it tastes strongly of bitter almonds. Most genus members are shallow-rooted, forming a plate near the soil surface, and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged.
Physical Characteristics

Prunus brigantina is a deciduous Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
P. armeniaca brigantina. Armeniaca brigantina.
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed
Edible Uses: Oil
Fruit - raw or cooked. A yellow plum about 3cm in diameter with a single large seed[K]. Scarcely edible according to one report[177], but we found it to have a pleasant mealy texture and a sweet flavour[K]. We have found it bearing quite freely, even on young trees no more than 6 years old[K]. An edible oil called 'huille des marmottes' is obtained from the seed[1, 2, 11, 46]. It is used as an olive oil substitute in France[105, 183]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[238].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Dye Oil
Agroforestry uses:
Prunus species can be used as windbreaks and in alley cropping systems. They also improve biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators and other wildlife. Some varieties can fix nitrogen in the soil, contributing to soil health.
The oil obtained from the seed is also used for lighting[11]. It is aromatic[61]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[168]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[168]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Prunus species are known for their showy flowers that produce both nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.,, which produce and attract
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf Litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The fruits are an important food source for birds and mammals, and the trees provide shelter through their dense foliage. Some species, especially cherries and plums, are known to support wildlife with both food and roosting/nesting sites., thetrees' dense foliage provides shelter
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – Prunus species offer shelter for invertebrates, particularly in their rough bark and leaf litter. They also support beneficial insects by providing overwintering sites.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
No – While Prunus species are fragrant when blooming, they are not known for emitting strong pest-repelling scents.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Thrives in a well-drained moisture-retentive loamy soil, growing well on limestone[11, 200]. Prefers some lime in the soil but is likely to become chlorotic if too much lime is present[1]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though it fruits better in a sunny position[11, 200]. Three shrubs at Kew in September 1993 were about 1.5 metres tall and still had a few fruits on them, though there was evidence that they had carried a large crop[K]. They fruited well again in 1994[K]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[238]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[200]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[113]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[11, 200]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[200]. Layering in spring.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
EUROPE: France,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Related Plants
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Latin Name | Common Name | Habit | Height | Hardiness | Growth | Soil | Shade | Moisture | Edible | Medicinal | Other |
Prunus africana | Pygeum | Tree | 18.0 |
10-12
| F | LM | N | M | 0 | 5 | 2 |
Prunus alabamensis | Alabama Cherry | Tree | 8.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus alleghaniensis | Allegheny Plum, Davis' plum | Tree | 3.5 |
4-8
| F | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus americana | American Plum, American Wild Plum, Wild Plum | Tree | 6.0 |
3-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 2 | 3 |
Prunus americana lanata | | Tree | 10.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus andersonii | Desert Peach | Shrub | 1.8 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Prunus angustifolia | Chickasaw Plum, Watson's plum, Hally Jolivette Cherry | Tree | 3.0 |
5-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Prunus angustifolia watsonii | Sand Plum | Shrub | 3.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus apetala | Clove Cherry | Shrub | 7.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus arabica | | Shrub | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus armeniaca | Apricot | Tree | 9.0 |
5-7
| M | LM | SN | M | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Prunus armeniaca mandschurica | Manchurian apricot | Tree | 6.0 |
3-9
| M | LM | SN | M | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Prunus avium | Wild Cherry, Sweet cherry | Tree | 18.0 |
3-7
| F | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 2 | 4 |
Prunus besseriana | Dwarf Almond | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus besseyi | Western Sand Cherry | Shrub | 1.2 |
3-6
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus bifrons | | Shrub | 1.8 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus bokharensis | Bokhara Plum | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus buergeriana | | Tree | 9.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus campanulata | Taiwan Cherry | Tree | 7.0 |
7-9
| M | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus canescens | Greyleaf Cherry | Shrub | 3.0 |
5-9
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Prunus capsica | | Tree | 0.0 |
-
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus caroliniana | American Cherry Laurel, Carolina laurelcherry, Laurel Cherry, | Shrub | 12.0 |
7-10
| F | LMH | SN | DM | 2 | 1 | 3 |
Prunus cerasifera | Cherry Plum, Myrobalan Plum, Newport Cherry Plum, Pissard Plum | Tree | 9.0 |
5-8
| M | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Prunus cerasifera divaricata | | Tree | 10.0 |
4-8
| | LMH | SN | M | 4 | 1 | 1 |
Prunus cerasoides | Wild Himalayan Cherry | Tree | 30.0 |
7-10
| | LMH | SN | M | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Prunus cerasus | Sour Cherry | Tree | 6.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Prunus cerasus austera | Morello Cherry | Tree | 9.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Prunus cerasus caproniana | Kentish Red Cherry | Tree | 9.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
Prunus cerasus frutescens | Bush Sour Cherry | Tree | 1.0 |
3-7
| | LMH | SN | M | 3 | 1 | 3 |
|
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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Vill.
Botanical References
1150200
Links / References
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Subject : Prunus brigantina
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