Dr. Parmar, there is a Prunus cerasifera <fruit edible, often bland,
some fruiting cultivars, much used as "Myrobalan" plum rootstock) and
there is a Prunus nigra (edible fruit, sometimes harsh). Where do you
encounter "Prunus cerasifera Nigra?"
There is also a "Purple leaf sandcherry" Prunus x cistena, grown
especially on the North American plains/prairies for its flowers and
foliage. It was bred from a cross of Prunus pumila and Prunus cerasifera
"Atropupurea" and released by Dr. N. E. Hansen of South Dakota State
University in 1910. If you search on "Prunus x cistena fruit" you will
find a number of references.
Doug Woodard
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
On 10/14/2011 2:44 PM, Dr. Chiranjit Parmar wrote:
Dear all,
Can the small fruits of the ornamental plum (Prunus cerasifera Nigra be eaten?