Briançon apricot (Prunus brigantina, Fl. Delphinalis: 49 (1786))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Vill.

Bibliography: Fl. Delphinalis: 49 (1786)

Year: 1786

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prunus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Frence to NW. Italy

Description

The Briançon apricot, a species scientifically known as Prunus brigantina, is a fascinating and somewhat lesser-known fruit-bearing plant. Described in the flora by Vill in 1786, this unique plant takes its place within the diverse and widely distributed Rosaceae family, which includes many beloved fruit trees such as apples, cherries, and plums.

Native to regions stretching from France to Northwestern Italy, the Briançon apricot thrives in the temperate climates of these areas. This geographical range plays a crucial role in its horticultural characteristics, impacting the growth habitats and the quality of its fruits. Although less common than other apricot varieties, the Briançon apricot stands out due to its specific regional presence and adaptability to the local conditions.

The plant itself shares many attributes with its Rosaceae relatives, showcasing delicate flowers that eventually develop into the fruit we recognize as apricots. These fruits are not only valued for their sweet and tangy flavor but also for their nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and dietary fiber.

The Briançon apricot contributes to the biodiversity and agricultural richness of the regions it inhabits. Given its unique presence and historical botanical documentation, it remains an interesting subject for botanists and horticulturists alike who are keen on studying and cultivating lesser-known varieties of fruiting plants.

Overall, the Briançon apricot is a testament to the diverse phenotypes emergent within the Rosaceae family, offering an intriguing blend of historical botanical significance and practical horticultural value.

Common Names

Eng: briançon apricot, alpine apricot
Deu: briançon-aprikose
Fra: prunier de briançon, marmottier, prunier des alpes
En: Briançon apricot, Alpine apricot, Marmot Plum
Zh: 布里扬松梅
Fr: Marmottier, Prunier de Briançon, Prunier des Alpes
De: Briançon-Aprikose, Alpenpflaume
It: Marmottier, Pruno del Delfinato
Ko: 브리앙송살구

Synonyms

• Prunus brigantina brugnonia (Risso)
• Armeniaca brigantiaca ((Vill.) Pers.)
• Prunus brigantina clarissa (Risso)
• Prunus brigantiaca var. nicaeensis (Burnat)
• Prunus brigantina lutea (Risso)
• Prunus brigantiaca var. microcarpa (Cariot)
• Prunus brigantina var. microcarpa (Cariot)
• Prunus brigantina var. nicaeensis (Bornet ex Burnat)
• Prunus brigantina var. pendula (Lavallée)
• Prunus domestica subsp. brigantina ((Vill.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Prunus brigantina punctata (Risso)
• Prunus armeniaca subsp. brigantina ((Vill.) Dippel)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Italy (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Francesca Tosetti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Benoit Paolozzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Indulis Bumanis (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Francois Berot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Conny de Witt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Vacchiano Franco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 15, 1994 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Ramoon Show (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by Véronique Berthollet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Aline Mulot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by patrice carrara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2022 by Benoit Paolozzi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2021 by Pete Clayton (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 2, 2019 by Brunelli Filippo (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3021637)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:729517-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus brigantina Vill.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘may’]

Soil nutriments: 4