Pita Peach


Pita Peach

There are over 200 species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs in this genus, which occurs throughout northern temperate regions, the Andes of S America, and SE Asia. It includes many economically important fruit and nut trees, and numerous ornamentals that are grown mainly for their blossom. Both P. armeniaca and P. persica are probably Chinese in origin; the former reached Italy in Roman times and the latter, which has been cultivated in China for over 2500 years, was recorded in Greece as early as the fourth century BCE. Prunus dulcis is the world's most widely grown nut tree. Prunes are dried plums from cultivars of P. domestica subsp. domestica; they have large, oval, black-skinned fruits, a rich flavor, and a high sugar and finer content that allows drying without fermentation or loss of flavor. Prunes were apparently brought to France by crusaders returning from Syria; in 1856 they were taken to California, where 70 percent of the world's crop is now produced. Prunus laurocerasus, a shade-tolerant species, is extensively grown for hedging and screening. Its many cultivars include low, spreading variants that make excellent groundcovers. Prunus mume is the classic winter flowering "plum blossom", used for Japanese bonsai. Many species are used medicinally, yielding a range of therapeutic products, from emollient oils to cough cures and laxatives. The Chinese species ahve a particularly long history of use: P. armeniaca and P.mume were first mentioned in medical literature c.CE500, and references to P. japonica date back to the Han dynasty (206BCE-CE23). Most of the medicinal properties result frmo the presence of amygdalin and prunasin, which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide). In small amounts, the exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion, and gives a sense of wellbeing. Also present is benzaldehyde, which gives the typical almond scent. This is now synthesized as a substitute for bitter almond oil in food flavoring. Prunus africana (African Cherry, red stinkwood), a montane forest species, entered international trade in the 1960s, when it was found to contain a liposoluble complex, whcih has proved effective in treating prostate glad enlargement. The bark has long been used by traditional healers, but large-scale demand and destructive harvesting have led to serious depletion of wild populations, especially in Cameroon. Prunus africana received international protection as an endangered species in 1997; plantations have been established in Kenya to provide material for the pharmaceutical industry, and the propagation technique of marcotting has been used successfully to increase stocks. The fruit stalks of P. avium (wild cherry, gean) and P. cerasus (sour cherry) are infused to make a diuretic astringent remedy for cystitis, edema, and diarrhea. Prunus serotina was used by the Cherokee people to relieve labor pains, and first listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia in 1820 as a sedative and anti-tussive. It is still widely used, in the form of wild cherry syrup, in cough remedies.

Small, bushy, deciduous tree or large shrub with lanceolate, tapering leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Pale pink to white, solitary or paired flowers, to 3.5cm (1⅜in) across, appear before the leaves in spring, followed by globose, velvety, red-flushed, yellow or white fruits, which have very juicy flesh.


Common Name:
Pita Peach
Other Names:
Anjeer Peach, Belly-Up Peach, Custard Peach, Doughnut Peach, Flat Peach, Hat Peach, O'Henry Peach, Pan Tao Peach, Paraguayo Peach, Peach, Ping Tzu T'ao, Saturn Peach, Saucer Peach, Squashed Peach, UFO Peach
Botanical Name:
Prunus persica var. platycarpa
Genus:
Prunus
Family:
Rosaceae
Native Location:
China
Cultivation:
Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun. Prunus laurocerasus tolerates shade. Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) is a useful plant for hedging in cold, exposed, or coastal ares. Prune fruiting specimens in summer to restrict growth and encourage formation of fruit buds. Trim P. laurocerasus in spring. Leaves and young shoots are often attacked by aphids and caterpillars. Likely diseases and disorders include peach leaf curl, bacterial canker, chlorosis, witches' broom, and honey fungus. Many Prunus species are relatively short-lived. P. laurocerasus may be affected by leafspot and powdery mildew. Most Prunus species are shallow-rooted and will sucker if roots are damaged. Early-flowering species are prone to frost damage.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn (species only); by greenwood cuttings in early summer (deciduous species); by semi-ripe cuttings in summer (P. laurocerasus). Cultivars are budded in summer or grafted in early spring.
Harvest:
Leaves (P. persica) are picked in summer and dried for infusions, or (P. laurocerasus) distilled for aqueous extract (cherry laurel water). Bark (P. africana, P. persica, P. serotina) is stripped in autumn and winter and dried for infusions, liquid extracts, powders, syrups, and tinctures; bark of P. africana is also processed for pharmaceutical extracts. Flowers (P. persica) are gathered in spring, and unripe fruits (P. armeniaca, P. domestica, P. mume, P. persica) in summer, and dried for decoctions. Fruits are picked ripe or unripe, depending on use; prunes (cultivars of P. domestica) are often left on the trees to dry. Seeds from ripe fruits are dried for decoctions (P. japonica) or crushed for oil (P. armeniaca, P. dulcis, P. persica).
Varieties:
Compressa Group
(Flat Peach, Doughnut Peach, ping tzu-t'ao)

Bears flattened, very sweet, white-fleshed fruits, often with a slight bitter almond flavor.
O'Henry
syn.Merrill O'Henry

Has larg, showy flowers and medium to large, pit-free fruits.
Height:
8m (25ft)
Width:
8m (25ft)
Hardiness:
Z5-9
Parts Used:
Leaves, bark, fruits, flowers, seeds (tao ren), oil, roots.
Properties:
A bitter-sweet, soothing, laxative herb that controls coughing, stimulates the uterus and circulatory system, lowers fever, and is diuretic, sedative, and expectorant.
Vitamin Content:
Vitamin A
Chemical Constituents:
  • Cyanide, especially in kernels
  • Phloretin
  • Volatile oils
  • Known Effects:
    Irritates and stimulates gastrointestinal tract
    Miscellaneous Information:
  • North American Indians made tea from the bark.
  • The fruit, except for the peach pit, is safe.
  • Possible Additional Effects:
  • May treat constipation (leaves)
  • May treat systemic infections (bark and roots)
  • Medicinal Uses:
    Internally, in Western medicine, for gastritis, coughs, whooping cough, and bronchitis (bark, leaves); in Chinese medicine, for malaria, boils, hemorrhoids, and eczema (leaves); constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma, and menstrual disorders (seeds).
    Culinary Uses:
    Fruits are eaten fresh, cooked, candied, and preserved (often in brandy); also made into jam and juice. Leaves are infused in brandy to make a cordial. Flowers are used to make tea.
    Economic Uses:
    Kernels are a source of bitter almond oil, used in food flavoring. Oil is used in skin care products. Fruits are used to flavor candy, ice cream, Bourbon whiskey (Southern Comfort). Flowers are distilled as a spirit.
    Warnings and Precautions:
    All parts of P. laurocerasus, notably the leaves and seeds, are harmful if eaten. Bitter-tasting kernels of Prunus species may be fatally toxic in excess.
    Contraindicated during pregnancy.

    Don't take if you:
  • Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan pregnancy in the near future
  • Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, reflux esophagitis, ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, or diverticulitis

  • Consult your doctor if you:
  • Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks (There may be safer, more effective treatments.)
  • Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplement, other prescription or non-prescription drugs

  • Pregnancy:
    The dangers of taking this as a medicinal herbs outweigh any possible benefits. Avoid pits! There should be no problems with the fruit.
    Breastfeeding:
    The dangers of taking this as a medicinal herbs outweigh any possible benefits. Avoid pits! There should be no problems with the fruit.
    Infants and Children:
    Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.
    Others:
    Pits will not help you and may cause toxic symptoms.
    Storage:
  • Store in cool,dry area away from direct light, but don't freeze.
  • Store safely out of reach of children.
  • Don't store in bathroom medicine cabinet. Heat and moisture may change the action of the herb.

  • Safe Dosage:
    Consult your doctor for the appropriate dose for your condition.
    Adverse reactions, Side Effects, or Overdose Symptoms:
    Signs and Symptoms What to Do

    Diarrhea Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Nausea or Vomiting Discontinue. Call doctor immediately.
    Bibliography:
    The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp. 331-334
    Vitamins, Herbs, Minerals & Supplements The Complete Guide by H. Winter Griffith, MD Copyright©1998 Fisher Books pp. 407-408