Japanese Apricot Prunus mume 'Omoi-no-mama' (d)

Names

• Synonyms

  Japanese Apricot, Ume, Chinese Plum, Mume.

• Common names

  Prunus mume 'Omoi-no-mama'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Prunus mume, commonly known as the Japanese apricot, contains cyanogenic glycosides, primarily amygdalin, in its seeds. If ingested in large enough quantities, these compounds can release cyanide in the body, which is toxic to humans. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning from consuming the seeds can include headache, dizziness, confusion, difficulty breathing, and can potentially lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly.

• To pets

  Japanese apricot can also be toxic to pets due to the amygdalin present in the seeds. If pets consume the seeds, they could experience symptoms similar to humans, such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, and potentially lead to more severe consequences such as cyanide poisoning, which can be fatal without immediate veterinary intervention.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Pink

• Height

  15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)

• Spread

  15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Aesthetic appeal: The Prunus mume 'Omoi-no-mama' offers beautiful pink to white blossoms that are highly valued for their visual impact in gardens and landscapes.
• Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant aroma that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
• Cultural significance: Commonly known as the Japanese apricot or Ume, this plant has deep cultural and historical importance in Japan, often celebrated in festivals and art.
• Wildlife attraction: The blossoms provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, while the fruit can attract birds and other wildlife.
• Seasonal interest: Ume trees have a distinctive flowering pattern, often blooming in late winter to early spring, adding interest to gardens during a time when few other plants are in flower.
• Culinary uses: Although not a general benefit of the ornamental cultivar, the species produces Ume fruits which can be used in various culinary preparations like pickling and making umeboshi.
• Shade and shelter: Once mature, the tree can provide shade and shelter in a garden setting.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Japanese apricot wood is sometimes used in the crafting of traditional Japanese furniture, owing to its strength and beautiful grain.
• The blossoms of the Japanese apricot are a popular motif in Japanese art and design, symbolizing early spring and perseverance.
• Japanese apricot can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from pale yellows to rich greens depending on the mordant used.
• Dried Japanese apricot flowers can be incorporated into sachets and potpourris, contributing a mild and pleasant fragrance.
• The petals of the Japanese apricot are sometimes candied or preserved in sugar for decorative use on desserts.
• Its dense canopy can provide shade and a cool microclimate in gardens, courtyards, or small urban spaces.
• Japanese apricots are often used in bonsai, the art of creating miniature trees, because of their attractive bark and flowering habits.
• The tree's blossom is a symbol of resilience and renewal, often used in New Year celebrations and traditional ceremonies.
• Practices like 'ume-shigoto' involve crafting various crafts and ornaments from Japanese apricot blossoms and branches to celebrate the plum festival called 'Ume Matsuri.'
• The fragrance of the blossoms is sometimes captured and used in perfumery and aromatherapy, offering a subtle and distinctive scent.

Feng Shui

The Japanese apricot is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Japanese apricot is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Endurance and Hope: As a variety of flowering apricot, Prunus mume 'Omoi-no-mama' often blooms in late winter, when most other plants remain dormant. This characteristic symbolizes both endurance through hardship and the hope of spring's imminent arrival.
• Grace and Elegance: The delicate and fragrant blossoms of the flowering apricot represent refinement and sophistication. Its graceful branches and the light pink to white flowers are associated with beauty and gentility.
• Renewal and Fresh Beginnings: The flowering apricot's early bloom is a herald of the new year in East Asian cultures, symbolizing fresh starts and the shedding of old patterns.
• Perseverance: In the face of cold and adverse winter conditions, the flowering apricot perseveres to bloom, symbolizing steadfastness and the ability to triumph over challenges.
• Overcoming Adversity: The ability of the flowering apricot to bloom vibrantly amidst the harshness of winter is seen as emblematic of overcoming adversity and emerging stronger for it.