Species data
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Rosales
Family
Rosaceae
Scientific Name
Prunus fenzliana
Reserve locations
Armenia
Native to the Caucasus region of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey, Prunus fenzliana is a deciduous shrub or small tree. As a wild species, it is the closest relative and presumed lone ancestor of Prunus dulcis, the almond species commonly cultivated across the world today.
Behaviour
Prunus fenzliana can be distinguished from its close relatives by several features. This includes having one-year-old twigs that are reddish on the side exposed to the sun, and green elsewhere. The fruits are initially dark green and mature to light tan.
Habitat and Range
It is known to reside at altitudes of between 1,400 and 3,500 metres above sea level and form Juniper forests, for example in Armenia’s Khosrov Forest Reserve. It can be found growing both on rocky mountain slopes and the rock debris of foothills.
