The Gardeners' Chronicle tells us "that in a report by Consul Biliotti on the trade and commerce of the district of Trebizond for the year 1883, it is stated that the kernel of a diminutive species of Wild Cherry, having an aromatic flavor, is known by the name of "Mahlep," and is little used in Turkey, but greatly so in Egypt, by bakers to sprinkle over bread. It is supposed to be a preservative against ague. The tree grows to a large size, especially in the vicinity of Niksar and Flérék, and also at Amassia and Tokat. The values of the kernels exported amounted to 1902 to Turkey, and,£2238 to Egypt".

Although this is evidently not the variety of Cherry known to nurserymen as Mahaleb, it looks as if we may look here for the origin of the name at any rate.