Prunus rufoides (syn. Prunus dielsiana), called Diel's cherry, the tawny bark cherry, and in , the tailed-leaf cherry, is a species of cherry native to China.
Description It is shrub or tree growing to tall. Its bark is brownishgray. The petioles are long. The leaves are elliptic to elliptic-obovate, from long and wide. The leaves are a darker green on the top surface, with the underside pilose, even villous on the veins.
The species is hermaphrodite. Typically the umbellate or subumbellate inflorescences have 2 to 6 flowers with white or pink petals. Each flower has 32–36 stamens. The fruit is a red drupe, measuring about in diameter.
Distribution and habitat Diel's cherry is found in Anhui, Chongqing, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Sichuan provinces in China.
It generally grows at above sea level, but can reach . It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a moderate pH range and little to no shade.
Ecology The fruits are eaten by masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) and the fruits, leaves and buds are eaten by gray snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus brelichi).
Toxicity Members of the genus typically contain hydrogen cyanide in the leaves and seeds, which can be fatal if consumed in quantity.
Uses The cherry is edible raw or cooked. The seed can also be eaten if not too bitter due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide.
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