Japanese plum, Salicina plum, Willod-leaf cherry
Prunus salicina

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 9 m high and spreads 8 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The new shoots are red. The leaves are green. There are blunt teeth along the edge. The flowers are in pairs or small clusters. They are white. The fruit is about 3-5 cm across. They are reddish. They are juicy when ripe.

There are about 200 Prunus species.

Where it is found

It grows in a subtropical climate. The chilling requirement is 300-1,000 hours below 7°C. Some low chill varieties are available. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Georgia, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan, Tajikistan, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can be dried, canned stewed and made into jams, jellies, puddings, cakes, and sauces. Some varieties are used in cooking. They are brewed into wine.

It is a cultivated food plant. It is grown commercially.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are best grown by grafting. Tree are often not self fertile and need pollinator trees. Fruit continue to ripen after harvest. They can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ameixa-japonesa, Ameixa, Ciruelo japones, Huilizi, Huoli, Kuli, Li, Sumomo, Yelizi, Yemaili, Zemaili

Synonyms

Prunus gymnodonta Koehne; Prunus thibetica Franch.; Prunus triflora Roxb., nom. illeg.;