[3] Prunus, from the Latin "prūnus" which is a loan from Greek (προῦνον, prounon) means plum tree.

Its 2-to-3 cm unpalatable fruit is globose and turns yellow to dark orange when ripe but may be toxic if consumed excessively.

[5] Plants in the Prunus species contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to produce hydrogen cyanide.

Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless, extremely poisonous chemical that gives almonds their characteristic flavour.

[2] Consumption of small quantities of hydrogen cyanide stimulates respiration and improves digestion.