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| APRICOT TREE |
Latin Name : Prunus armeniaca.
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General Info Native to China. Related to the plum. It is a small- to medium-sized tree with a dense, spreading canopy 8–12 m tall. Its leaves are shaped like a heart with pointed tips and about 8 cm long and 3–4 cm wide. Its flowers are white to pinkish in colour. The fruit appears similar to a peach or nectarine with a colour ranging from yellow to orange and sometimes a red cast, its surface is smooth and nearly hairless. Apricots are stone fruit and have only one seed called a stone. Fresh or dried, apricots are an excellent health and beauty food. Three small fresh apricots contain more than 50% of the recommended daily intake (RDA) of beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant. Beta-carotene prevents the build-up of plaque deposits in the arteries, protects the eyes from sun damage and deactivates free radicals that, if left unchecked, accelerate the ageing process and increase the risk of cancer. In addition, the body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is vital for good vision and for keeping the eyes lubricated. Those at risk of dry eyes, such as contact-lens wearers, should include plenty of apricots in their diet. Apricots contain significant levels of iron, essential for hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells. Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, pale skin, and thinning, undernourished hair. Cyanogenic glycosides are found in most stone fruit seeds, bark and leaves, and are found in high concentration in apricot seeds. Laetrile, a drug, a purported treatment for cancer is extracted from apricot seeds. As early as the year 502, apricot seeds were used to treat tumors and in the 17th century apricot oil was used in England against tumors and ulcers. Oil has been used as cooking oil. Powderized seeds can also be added to pastry dough to give a distinct flavour.
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Pruning
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Planting Info Spacing Soil PH Moisture Requirement Pruning Requirement
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