Conserving Plant Biodiversity for Future Generations

Bitter Almond
(Amygdalus bucharica)

Taxonomy:
• Scientific Name: Amygdalus bucharica
• Family: Rosaceae
• Common Name: Bitter Almond
• Synonyms: Prunus bucharica

Description:

• Habit: A shrub or small tree that is erect with an open canopy and gnarled branches, deciduous, and generally varies in height from three to ten meters.
• Leaves: These bright green serrated leaves emerge between early spring and spring and are lance-shaped.
• Flowers: Appearing before the emergence of leaves, these showy flowers possess five petals that are white or pink in color.
• Fruit: The seed (kernel) is small and dry gout with a hard shell that is extremely bitter because of the amygdalin content