Abstract
The native range of apricot is somewhat unclear due to its extensive prehistoric cultivation, but has been regarded to be the northern, north-western and north-eastern provinces of China (Qinghai, Gansu, Shaanxi, Hebei, Liaoning) and possibly also Korea and Japan. Domestic cultivation in China dates back over 3,000 years ago. It spread to Asia Minor and was introduced to Europe through Greece and Italy by the Romans. Apricot was introduced into North America by English travellers and by Spanish missionaries into California. Apricot is extensively cultivated in Eurasia and America. Secondary centres of diversity with locally adapted races can be found in Middle Asia, Caucasus, Iran, and less so in southern Europe and southern USA.
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Lim, T.K. (2012). Prunus armeniaca. In: Edible Medicinal And Non-Medicinal Plants. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4053-2_51
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4053-2_51
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