beneath; peduncles solitary or in pair. Calyx-tube obconic. Drupe globose or ovoid, drooping.
The Bokhara Plum, in a dry state, is met with in the Indian bazaars. It is described as sub-acid, cold and moist, digestive and aperient, especially when taken on an empty stomach, useful in bilious states of the system and heat of body. The root is astringent, and the gum may be used as a substitute for Gum Arabic (Dymock). Largely imported into India and exhibited for sale in every bazaar, being largely used as an article of food. With a little sugar they are pleasant and refreshing.
The oil, resembling apricot kernel oil, is prepared from the seeds, and is used for illuminating and edible purposes.
465. P. Padus, Linn, h.f.b.i., ii. 315.
Syn : — Cerasus corunta, Wall.
English : — The Bird Cherry.
Vern : — Jamana (Hind.); Likh-aru, arupatai (Nepal); Hlo sa hlot-kûng (Lepcha) ; Pâras, kala-kat, gidar-dâk, zambu, chûle (Pb.) ; Jâman, zamb-chûle (Kashmir).
Habitat : — Temperate Himalaya, from Murree to Sikkim and Bhotan.
A deciduous tree attaining 50-60ft., with dark rough bark. Wood moderately hard; sap wood large, whitish ; heart-wood reddish-brown, with an unpleasant smell, says Gamble. Wood handsome, " polishes well," says Brandis. Young shoots, inflorescence, and underside of leaves along nerves pubescent. Leaves conduplicate in bud, from a slightly cordate base, ovate, oblong, acuminate, serrate ; stipules thin, linear lanceolate, early caducous. Flowers white, appearing after the leaves ; Racemes 3-8in. long, at the end of short lateral (often leaf-bearing) branchlets ; bracts thin, caducous longer than buds. Drupe acid, globose, ½in. diam. first red, then dark purple, or nearly black. Stone rugose, thick.
Use : — Yields a poisonous oil, like oil of almonds, much used in medicinal preparations (Watt),
