Bursaria spinosa spinosa" was first described by Antonio José Cavanilles in 1797. It is known by many common names, including Australian blackthorn, blackthorn, Christmas bush, mock orange, native blackthorn, native box, native olive, prickly box, prickly pine, spiny box, spiny bursaria, sweet bursaria, thorn box and whitethorn. Summer flowering has given rise to the name (Tasmanian) Christmas bush in Tasmania and South Australia (not to be confused with "Prostanthera lasianthos"). Indigenous names recorded include "kurwan" in Coranderrk, Victoria, and "geapga" from Lake Hindmarsh Station. "Bursaria spinosa" is highly variable in appearance and habit, as are other species within the genus, and there
Prunus serrula typical of "Prunus", are produced in clusters of one to three. The fruit is a small oval bright red drupe. "Prunus serrula" is grown as a ornamental tree, especially for winter interest. It tolerates a variety of soil types and has a wide pH range. It prefers full sun and does well in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 8. Its potential as an invasive species is low, as it is susceptible to many common garden diseases and pests such as fire blight, powdery mildew and Japanese beetles. It is sometimes grafted to "Prunus serrulata" (Japanese cherry) crowns, forming a tree