The North American Plums (Prunus Spp.): A Review of the Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Relationships

Abstract

North America is a center of diversity for Prunus species. Tree architecture, chilling requirement, heat requirement, fruit development period, fruit size, fruit texture, disease resistance, and adaptive changes to multiple environmental conditions are a few examples of the traits of which tremendous genetic variability is available in the native plum species. Wild native Prunus species constitute an important potential source of genetic diversity for stone fruit breeding and selection. A review of the North American plum taxonomic treatment and phylogenetic studies is described. Various studies have been done with three major groups being identified: Americana series, Chickasaw series, and Beach series.