Japanese apricot Prunus mume
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Japanese apricot showcases a beautiful and delicate display, with its branches adorned by plentiful blossoms that can range in color from pure white to various shades of pink and even red. These flowers are often highly fragrant, exuding a sweet and enticing aroma. The blooms typically have five petals and emerge in late winter to early spring, offering a cheerful contrast against the dormant landscape or the plant's own glossy, green leaves that appear afterwards. The leaves of the Japanese apricot are simple and ovate with a pointed tip and can have a slightly serrated edge. They provide a lush backdrop to the fruit that follows the flowers. The fruit itself resembles a small apricot, which is not surprising, as they are indeed related. It has a smooth skin that may have a yellow, orange, or green hue and can sometimes have a slight blush or be speckled. The flesh inside is typically firm and more aromatic than the flesh of standard apricots, and it houses a hard pit inside. The bark of the Japanese apricot tree is dark and can be either smooth or slightly textured. Overall, the tree presents a picturesque quality that is highly valued in ornamental horticulture, frequently celebrated in gardens and cultural festivals, especially when it blossoms heralding the arrival of spring.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Ume, Japanese Apricot, Chinese Plum, Mume.
Common names
Armeniaca mume, Prunus armeniaca var. mume, Amygdalus mume.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Prunus mume is the ume tree, also known as Chinese plum or Japanese apricot. It is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many members of the Prunus genus, the seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be poisonous. If ingested in large quantities, these parts can release cyanide into the body and may cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and even coma or death in severe cases. The fruit flesh of ume is typically safe to eat when ripe.
To pets
The ume tree, also known as Chinese plum or Japanese apricot, has parts that can be toxic to pets. The seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides, which if ingested, can break down into cyanide within the pet's body. Symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and potentially lead to more severe conditions such as seizures, coma, and even death if consumed in large enough quantities. Pets should be prevented from eating any part of the ume tree apart from the ripe fruit flesh, which is generally not harmful.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
15-25 feet (4.57-7.62 meters)
Spread
15-25 feet (4.57-7.62 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
East Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Prunus mume, commonly known as the plum blossom, is highly appreciated for its early spring blossoms, which provide aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Cultural significance: Revered in East Asian cultures, the plum blossom is a symbol of perseverance and hope as it blooms in the cold winter, signifying the arrival of spring.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers of the plum blossom provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Culinary use: The fruit of the Prunus mume is used in various culinary applications, including traditional pickled plums (umeboshi in Japanese) and plum wine (umeshu).
- Fragrance: Plum blossoms emit a delicate and pleasing fragrance, which is enjoyed in gardens and can be used for scented products.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Prunus mume has been reported to exhibit antibacterial effects against various strains of bacteria.
- Antiviral: It may possess antiviral properties that could be effective in inhibiting certain viruses.
- Antioxidant: The fruit contains compounds that have antioxidant effects, which could help in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Prunus mume might have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Gastroprotective: Some studies suggest that it might have protective effects on the gastrointestinal system.
- Antitumor: There is some evidence to suggest that Prunus mume could have antitumor properties, although this is still under investigation.
- Anti-diabetic: Compounds in Prunus mume may exert anti-diabetic effects, possibly by affecting blood glucose levels.
- Liver protection: There are indications that it might have hepatoprotective effects, potentially protecting the liver from certain types of damage.
- Anti-obesity: Some research suggests that Prunus mume might help in the prevention or treatment of obesity.
- Expectorant: Traditionally, it has been used to help with the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract.
- Alleviation of alcohol intoxication: Anecdotal evidence suggests it might be used to reduce symptoms of alcohol intoxication.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Woodwork: The wood of the Prunus mume, commonly known as Japanese apricot, is used for crafting musical instruments, fine furniture, and intricate carvings due to its hardness and appealing grain.
- Fabric Dye: The flowers and bark of Japanese apricot can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles, offering shades of brown and yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Calligraphy Ink: The fruit of the Japanese apricot can sometimes be used in the making of traditional ink for East Asian brush calligraphy, adding a slight fragrance to the ink.
- Culinary Smoking: Wood chips from the Japanese apricot are used to smoke meats and fish, imparting a unique flavor profile to the dishes.
- Gardening: The Japanese apricot is popular in bonsai culture for its early flowering, aesthetic bark texture, and the shape of its trunk and branches.
- Perfumery: The delicate scent of the Japanese apricot blossoms is a source inspiration in perfume making, capturing the essence of early spring.
- Landscape Design: Due to its striking blossoms, the Prunus mume is widely used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks for landscape design.
- Traditional Ceremonies: The Japanese apricot's blossom, as a symbol of perseverance and purity, is used in various East Asian traditional ceremonies and festivities.
- Environmental Indicator: Flowering patterns of the Prunus mume are sometimes studied as a phenological indicator to track the impact of climate change on seasonal cycles.
- Fruit Vinegar: The fermented juice of the Japanese apricot fruit can be made into a tangy vinegar used as a condiment or for pickling.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ume tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ume tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance and Hope: Prunus mume, commonly known as Japanese apricot or Ume, typically blooms in late winter, often while there is still snow on the ground. This early flowering has made it a symbol of perseverance and hope, as it remind us that spring is near even during the coldest days.
- Renewal and Rebirth: Because the ume blossoms signal the ending of winter and the beginning of spring, they are also associated with renewal and rebirth.
- Purity and Transience of Life: The delicate flowers of the Prunus mume represent both purity and the fleeting nature of life, echoing the traditional Japanese appreciation of the ephemeral beauty of nature.
- Nobility: In ancient China, the plum blossom was associated with noble virtues, as it stands dignified amidst the snow, not bowing down to the harsh winter conditions.
- Endurance and Strength: Similarly, because the Ume endures the harsh winter and blooms in adverse conditions, it is seen as a metaphor for maintaining one's resolve and exhibiting strength in the face of adversity.
WaterThe Japanese apricot, or Ume, should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. In the heat of summer, you may need to water twice a week, providing about 1.5 gallons for young trees and 2 to 3 gallons for mature trees each time. Cut back on watering during the winter when the tree is dormant, possibly to once every two to three weeks depending on the climate. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
LightThe Japanese apricot thrives best in full sun exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flower and fruit optimally. The ideal location would be an open space away from larger trees or buildings that could cast shade on it. Too little light can result in reduced flowering and fruiting.
TemperatureThe Japanese apricot prefers a temperate climate and is hardy in conditions down to approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit, though it may suffer some damage at this extreme. It can withstand high temperatures as well but prefers a range between 30 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for fostering growth and fruit production in the Ume is within this moderate range.
PruningPruning the Japanese apricot promotes healthy growth, increases fruit production, and maintains its desired shape. It's best to prune during late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove dead or diseased branches, thin out overcrowded areas to improve air circulation, and cut back any overreaching branches to maintain the tree's form. Pruning should be done annually, and more selectively as the tree ages.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Japanese Apricot (Prunus mume) should be well-draining with a mixture of loam, peat, and perlite or sand at a ratio of about 2:1:1. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingJapanese Apricot (Prunus mume) trees should be repotted every two to three years to ensure healthy growth and to replenish the soil.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Apricot (Prunus mume) prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity levels typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light and moderate humidity for indoor Japanese Apricot.
Outdoor
Place in full sun and protect from strong winds for outdoor Japanese Apricot.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese apricot, Prunus mume, begins its life cycle as a dormant seed, which after stratification—a process of cold treatment—germinates in favourable conditions such as moist soil and warm temperatures. Following germination, the seedling emerges and grows, developing into a young sapling with a basic root system and foliage. As the sapling matures, it forms a woody trunk and branches, becoming a fruit-bearing tree; this stage can take several years. The Japanese apricot typically blooms in late winter to early spring, producing fragrant flowers that can be white, pink, or red before the leaves fully expand. After pollination, often by bees, the flowers develop into fruits which ripen during the summer months; the fruits are typically harvested when they turn yellow and yield a sour or sweet taste depending on the cultivar. Once mature, the tree becomes a repeating cycle of seasonal flowering and fruiting, continuing for many years, even decades, before eventually senescing and concluding its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Prunus mume, commonly known as Japanese apricot, is most often propagated by grafting, a method preferred for its reliability in producing true-to-type plants. Grafting typically takes place late in winter or early in spring before the tree begins active growth. In this method, a scion, which is a short length of stem with two or more buds, is taken from a desirable parent plant. The scion is then inserted into a notch or split in the rootstock, which is usually seed-grown stock or a more resilient variety of the same species. The graft union is securely bound and sealed with grafting tape or wax to prevent dehydration and infection. Over time, the tissues of the scion and rootstock grow together, forming a new, productive Japanese apricot tree.
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