Prunus scoparia, a Potentially Multi-Purpose Wild Almond Species in Iran

Almond is one of the most important perennial fruit crops in Iran. It plays an important role in the economy of the country especially in the semi-arid areas. Prunus scoparia (Spach) is a wild almond species native to Iran. It is a deciduous large shrub with green shoots that is growing in many parts of the country. In this paper we review the distribution of P. scoparia across the country and its potential as a multi-purpose crop. Shrubs of this species are naturally widespread as a forest resource in many regions of Iran. They are grown in arid and semi-arid areas to control soil erosion and water sheds and for landscape as well. They are also cultivated in different provinces and cities for landscape purposes. Kernels of P. scoparia are used in the pharmaceutical industry and are edible when sweetened. Seeds and seedlings are also serving as rootstocks for almond cultivars. Shrubs of this species show great tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, low soil fertility and low winter temperatures; therefore P. scoparia may present an important genetic resource to be used in breeding programs to generate new cultivars and rootstocks that are more adapted to climate change.