Prunus subg. Padus

Overview of Prunus subg. Padus:

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Prunus subg. Padus

Prunus subg. Padus is a subgenus of the genus Prunus, which belongs to the family Rosaceae. This subgenus is commonly known as bird cherries, hackberries, or padus cherries.

Taxonomy

The subgenus Padus is one of the six subgenera within the genus Prunus. It was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The name 'Padus' is derived from the Latin word for the Po River in Italy, where these trees are common.

Description

Prunus subg. Padus are deciduous trees or shrubs. They are characterized by their clusters of white flowers, which bloom in the spring. The fruit is a small, dark cherry that is often used by birds for food.

Distribution and Habitat

Prunus subg. Padus is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. These trees prefer moist, well-drained soils and are often found in forests, along riverbanks, and in wetlands.

Species

There are several species within the Prunus subg. Padus, including:

• Prunus padus - European bird cherry
• Prunus serotina - Black cherry
• Prunus virginiana - Chokecherry

Uses

Prunus subg. Padus trees are often used for ornamental purposes due to their attractive flowers and autumn color. The fruit is not generally consumed by humans, but is a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.

Conservation

While Prunus subg. Padus is not currently considered threatened, some species within the subgenus are at risk due to habitat loss and climate change.

See Also

• Prunus
• Rosaceae
• Carl Linnaeus

External Links

• The Plant List: Prunus
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

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