Prunus mahaleb L.
St. Lucie cherry
Family: Rosaceae
54º 34.932N
5º 55.814W
299
The tree tag number relates to the black tree-maintenance tags, usually fixed on the trunk, 2 to 3m above ground level.
This very pretty small cherry tree is native to Central and Southern Europe, extending as far south as NW Africa and as far East as Northern Pakistan. It is usually less than 10m high with an attractive spreading shape. The pure white flowers are produced in clusters of 3 to 10 and are strongly scented. There are two specimens in Belfast Botanic Gardens close to the main path leading from the Botanic Avenue gate to the Botanic Primary School gate. The small black cherries are a favourite of blackbirds.
Photos taken in Belfast Botanic Gardens in 2012. Copyright: Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens.