Prunus 'Ichiyo'

‘Ichiyo’ means ‘one-leaf’ in Japanese. This refers not to leaves but to the presence of a leaf-like pistil in the flower; many flowers have 2. ‘Ichiyo’ is closely related to the Oshima Cherry. It has been found in Japan since early c19. It was introduced into Europe by Collingwood Ingram (1926). In Japan ,’Ichiyo’ blossoms were formerly salted and pressed, the preserved flowers later used to make a cherry-flavoured infusion.

A delightful tree with pale pink double flowers, up to 45mm across, on long-stalked corymbs with three or four together. The flowering period is from mid-April to May. The young bronzy foliage contrasts well with the pale flowers. A feature of this species is the single leaf-like carpel that can be found in the centre of some flowers. It can be seen in one of the photographs. The autumn colours are an orange-red. It has a strong upright habit, reaching 8m in height and the same in spread.

ichiyo_01S   ichiyo_02S
Larger image   Larger image
ichiyo_03S ichiyo_04s ichiyo_05s
Larger image Larger image Larger image

At Keele: one specimen between Chancellor's Building and the ring road; compartment 49b; tag 4030. One by Media and Lennard-Jones Buildings; compartment 55A; square J7; tag 4054.

List of Cherries | Maps of Campus

All images ©  Dave Emley unless stated otherwise.