Jeff Nugent
21-02-2003, 03:57 PM
I have some seed of Prunus salicifolia, the capulin cherry from Central America available now.
Send Aus$5 to SARI PO Box 10 Nannup WA6275 Australia to have seed mailed within Australia. email me for O\seas: [email:37ls37gy]jeff@permacultureplants.com[/email:37ls37gy]
http://www.permacultureplants.com/capuli.jpg
The capuli or capulin cherry, unlike true cherries, does not require a period of chilling to set fruit. It is an erect, semi - deciduous, very fast growing tree, reaching a height of 3 m in 12 - 18 months and eventually attaining 10 m at maturity. The capuli is believed to be native to Mexico but was introduced to the Andes by the Spanish. In the five hundred years that followed, the Andean people have adopted the capuli as a backyard tree. The selective breeding that has happened in that time is said to be considerable.
It is frost tolerant to about - 7oC, where some damage may occur. Because it does not require a cold spell to set fruit, it can be grown in much warmer conditions than conventional cherries.
The capuli fruit grows in bunches almost like grapes. The fruit is similar in appearance to that of the European cherry, with a dark purple skin and pale green, juicy flesh, with a flavour similar to wild cherries. Although the fruit is mostly eaten fresh in the Andes, it is also stewed, preserved, and made into jams and wine. The cherries are used as fillings for tamales in Mexico. A capuli tree will produce fruit 2 - 3 years after planting and does not require cross - pollination. In California, during an exceptionally mild winter, it has been known to produce two crops in the one year.
The capuli seems well suited to agro forestry . It has deep roots which bind the soil and in the Andes is interplanted with field crops such as lucerne , corn and potatoes .
In the Andes the wood is harvested after a few years for tool handles , posts , firewood and charcoal . After 6 - 8 years it yields an excellent timber which is used for guitars , furniture , coffins , panelling and other high value products. The wood is hard and resistant to fungal and insect attack.
The sapwood is yellow with touches of red, and the heartwood is reddish brown and fine grained and consequently fetches high prices on the market. The young branches are supple and strong and used to make baskets . The old roots are valued for carving tobacco pipes and figurines .
A syrup is made from the fruit to alleviate respiratory troubles . A leaf decoction is used as a febrifuge and to halt diarrhoea and dysentry . It is applied as a poultice to relieve inflammation . Leaf infusions are used as a sedative in colic and neuralgia, and as an antispasmodic. The pounded bark is employed as an eyewash . - from Permaculture Plants - a selection. (http://www.permacultureplants.com/#B)
Send Aus$5 to SARI PO Box 10 Nannup WA6275 Australia to have seed mailed within Australia. email me for O\seas: [email:37ls37gy]jeff@permacultureplants.com[/email:37ls37gy]
http://www.permacultureplants.com/capuli.jpg
The capuli or capulin cherry, unlike true cherries, does not require a period of chilling to set fruit. It is an erect, semi - deciduous, very fast growing tree, reaching a height of 3 m in 12 - 18 months and eventually attaining 10 m at maturity. The capuli is believed to be native to Mexico but was introduced to the Andes by the Spanish. In the five hundred years that followed, the Andean people have adopted the capuli as a backyard tree. The selective breeding that has happened in that time is said to be considerable.
It is frost tolerant to about - 7oC, where some damage may occur. Because it does not require a cold spell to set fruit, it can be grown in much warmer conditions than conventional cherries.
The capuli fruit grows in bunches almost like grapes. The fruit is similar in appearance to that of the European cherry, with a dark purple skin and pale green, juicy flesh, with a flavour similar to wild cherries. Although the fruit is mostly eaten fresh in the Andes, it is also stewed, preserved, and made into jams and wine. The cherries are used as fillings for tamales in Mexico. A capuli tree will produce fruit 2 - 3 years after planting and does not require cross - pollination. In California, during an exceptionally mild winter, it has been known to produce two crops in the one year.
The capuli seems well suited to agro forestry . It has deep roots which bind the soil and in the Andes is interplanted with field crops such as lucerne , corn and potatoes .
In the Andes the wood is harvested after a few years for tool handles , posts , firewood and charcoal . After 6 - 8 years it yields an excellent timber which is used for guitars , furniture , coffins , panelling and other high value products. The wood is hard and resistant to fungal and insect attack.
The sapwood is yellow with touches of red, and the heartwood is reddish brown and fine grained and consequently fetches high prices on the market. The young branches are supple and strong and used to make baskets . The old roots are valued for carving tobacco pipes and figurines .
A syrup is made from the fruit to alleviate respiratory troubles . A leaf decoction is used as a febrifuge and to halt diarrhoea and dysentry . It is applied as a poultice to relieve inflammation . Leaf infusions are used as a sedative in colic and neuralgia, and as an antispasmodic. The pounded bark is employed as an eyewash . - from Permaculture Plants - a selection. (http://www.permacultureplants.com/#B)