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Do you know the evolutionary story behind this mysterious plant called Prunus?
Prunus is a diverse plant group belonging to the Rosaceae family. Its members include plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, walnuts and almonds, which are collectively referred to as "stone fruits" . Plants of this generation span the globe, from the temperate regions of North America to the tropical lowlands of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa, providing a diversity of presence and adaptability that reveal a long history of coexistence.
"The fossil record of Prunus dating back to the Eocene shows its extensive evolution and diversification in the Northern Hemisphere."
Basic characteristics of Prunus
Members of Prunus can be divided into deciduous and evergreen plants, with some species having spiny branches. The leaves are usually lanceolate, neatly arranged, and often accompanied by nectaries on the petioles and small stipules. The flowers of Prunus are generally white to pink, have five petals and five calyxes, and there are countless stamens inside the flower. The fruit is a fleshy drupe, usually containing a hard seed.
Evolutionary History
The fossil evidence of Prunus can be traced back to the Eocene. Scientists reconstructed its evolutionary history through existing species and genetic data and found that Prunus and its sister group Maloideae dated around approximately It diverged 44 million years ago, right in the middle of the Eocene.
"The Eocene was a period of rapid evolution and diversification, during which many angiosperms flourished."
Taxonomy
The history of Prunus classification is closely related to the work of Linnaeus, who first used the name "Prunus" in 1737 and simplified it to the genera Amygdalus and Prunus in 1758. With the advancement of botany, Prunus has undergone many reorganizations and is now divided into multiple subgenus, including Apricot, Plum, and Cherry.
The relationship between humans and Prunus
Members of Prunus are widely cultivated and eaten due to their high-quality fruits. Almonds, a nut, are not only nutritious foods, but are also regarded as healthful foods in traditional and modern medicine. In many cultures, cherries are seen as a symbol of beauty and blessing, especially when they are in full bloom, representing spring.
"In addition to being eaten directly, the fruits of Prunus are also often used to make jams, cans and dried fruits, and have an economic value that cannot be underestimated."
Toxicity and Health Benefits
Many Prunus species contain cyano compounds, and the seeds, leaves and other parts of their fruits may be poisonous to humans and animals. However, many prune fruits, such as cherries and apricots, are rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to improve immunity and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Looking to the future
How will Prunus' adaptability evolve as global climate change impacts? Whether in terms of ecological environment or agricultural production, this story about Prunus and its evolution has inspired many people's interest in exploration. In tracing how plants evolve, we may be able to understand more about the mysteries of the natural world.
What kind of surprises and challenges will Prunus bring us in the future?
