Varietal Characteristics
The cherry tree (Prunus avium), also known as bird cherry or wild cherry, is a majestic tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. Native to Europe and the Middle East, this tree has fascinated mankind since ancient times. The cherry tree can reach a height of 32 metres and develop a trunk with an impressive diameter of 1.5 metres. It has a surprisingly long life span, reaching up to 100 years. During its growth, the bark of the young cherry tree is smooth and a beautiful purple-brown colour, adorned with horizontal grey-brown lenticels. Over the years, however, the bark darkens, thickens and cracks, bearing witness to its venerable age. The leaves of the cherry tree are arranged alternately and are ovoid and pointed in shape. They measure between 7 and 14 cm in length and between 4 and 7 cm in width, with a hairless surface that varies from pale to bright green. In spring, the tree is covered with white flowers, gathered in corymbs of two to six flowers. Each flower, hanging on a 2-5 cm long peduncle, has a diameter of 2.5-3.5 cm and has five white petals, yellow stamens and a superior ovary. These hermaphroditic flowers are pollinated by bees, giving rise to an enchanting bloom that coincides with the appearance of new leaves.
The fruit of the cherry tree is a fleshy drupe, commonly known as a cherry, which varies from 1 to 2 cm in diameter, although it can be larger in some cultivated varieties. Ripe cherries, which appear in early summer, range in colour from bright red to dark purple. Their flavour ranges from sweet to tart, with a pleasant astringency. Inside, each cherry contains a single stone. These fruits not only delight the human palate, but are also a valuable source of food for many birds and mammals. Being among the first fruits of the season, they attract numerous animals, fascinated by their sweetness and freshness. In short, the cherry tree (Prunus avium) is not only a fascinating and long-lived tree, but also a fundamental ecological resource, capable of enriching the environment and the senses with its delicious fruits and timeless beauty.
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