Bratoszewice

Native to temperate Eurasia. Edible plant - fruits raw or cooked. juicy, with a sour-sweet, sometimes tart flavour, a cherry-like flavour but very harsh and acid; seeds raw or cooked. Herbal plant - all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid); in small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being. Useful plant - the plant is used as a revegetator.