Sweet cherry - Merisier ou cerisier commun (Prunus avium)

The fruits of this tree are, you guessed it, small edible, dark red or black sweet cherries. This species is the ancestor of all known cherry varieties and is still used as a rootstock in breeding. In the wild it is becoming increasingly rare, but in the past it was often present in forest edges. Many older trees were felled for their wood value. The wood is excellent to polish and is only intended for style furniture. From young branches with their beautiful shiny bark, cheap pipe stems were made. In spring, the trees are overloaded with cherry blossoms. A few leaves emerge from each bud and 4 white flowers each.

Botanic Garden Meise