Prunus spinosa Britain, and in Germany and other central European countries. Sloes can also be made into jam, chutney, and used in fruit pies. Sloes preserved in vinegar are similar in taste to Japanese "umeboshi". The juice of the fruits dyes linen a reddish colour that washes out to a durable pale blue. Blackthorn makes an excellent fire wood that burns slowly with a good heat and little smoke. The wood takes a fine polish and is used for tool handles and canes. Straight blackthorn stems have traditionally been made into walking sticks or clubs (known in Ireland as a shillelagh). In
Prunus davidiana In China it is largely used as an ornamental, and the fruit is eaten, but not prized. In peach growing regions throughout the world it is used as a source of rootstocks. "Prunus" is the ancient Latin name for plum trees. "Davidiana" is named for L'Abbé Armand David (1826-1900), a missionary and collector of Chinese plants. Prunus davidiana Prunus davidiana (syn. Amygdalus davidiana, Persica davidiana, Prunus persica var. davidiana) is a species in the genus "Prunus" in the family Rosaceae. It is also known by the common names David's peach and Chinese wild peach. It is native to China, preferring