Capulin, Mexican bird cherry
A tropical plant. They suit a subtropical to warm temperate climate. It grows in the highlands in the tropics. In the mountains in Mexico is grows between 1200 and 3000 m altitude. It is frost tolerant and can stand temperatures down to -7°C. They do not have specific daylength requirements and do not require chilling prior to fruiting. The require full sunlight. Trees need wind protection when young. They do best on sandy soils with a pH 5.5 to 6.5. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.
Synonyms
- See Prunus serotina var. salicifolia Koehne
Edible Portion
- Fruit, Seeds
Where does Capulin grow?
Found in: Asia, Australia, Central America, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Peru, South America
Notes: There are about 200 Prunus species.
Growing Capulin, Mexican bird cherry
Cultivation: Plants can be grown by seed or grafting. Although pruning is no necessary, trees can be pruned for size or shape.
Edible Uses: The fruit are eaten raw or used in preserves. They are stewed and used for jams and preserves.
Production: Trees are fast growing. They can reach 3 m in 12-18 months. Fruit are produced 6-8 years after planting from seeds and 2-3 years after planting from grafts. There can be more than one crop of fruit per year. Fruit will store in cool conditions for 4-6 weeks.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1096
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 204
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 241
John, L., & Stevenson, V., 1979, The Complete Book of Fruit. Angus & Robertson p 284
Kang, J. et al, 2016, Wild food plants and fungi used in the mycophilous Tibetan community of Zhagana (Tewo Country, Gansu, China) Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 12:21
Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 1744
Macmillan, H.F. (Revised Barlow, H.S., et al) 1991, Tropical Planting and Gardening. Sixth edition. Malayan Nature Society. Kuala Lumpur. p 317
Martin, F. W., et al, 1987, Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics. USDA Handbook 642 p 54
Morton, J. F., 1987, Fruits of Warm Climates. Wipf & Stock Publishers p 108
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Popenoe,
F. W. H. A. von Humboldt et al., Nov. gen. sp. 6:190[folio]; 6:241[quarto], t. 563. 1824