APRICOT

There are many varieties and species of apricot, differing in flavor, color and size. Trees of this genus have attractive flowers and bark, and bear finely toothed, deciduous leaves and various single-stoned fruits. The 10 m Prunus armeniaca tree is drought resistant with red shoots, a stone fruit (drupe); a one-seeded fruit that does not split open itself; and within the seed is enclosed a stony endocarp, called the pit. The part used is the kernel of the pit. Fruits vary in colors from yellows and oranges to deep purples. In India and China, the apricot has been used for over 2000 years. Excessive ingestion of apricot kernels causes cyanide poisoning in both animals and humans. Prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) present in kernels has been used in Chinese medicine.