Apricot

It is native to continental climates with cold winters but can grow in the Mediterranean provided there is enough cool weather during winters.

Laetrile is extracted from apricot seeds and is a purported alternative treatment for cancer. The seeds were used to treat tumors as early as AD 502. In 17th century England, apricot oil was also used to treat tumors, swellings and ulcers.

Chinese associate the apricot with education and medicine. The classical word means ‘educational circle’ and is still used in written language.