Prunus mume is a deciduous tree, 4 to 6 meters high. It is a rustic hard pit fruit tree considered as intermediate between plum and apricot. Flowering occurs in early spring, the flowers are white or pink and very fragrant. It prefers hot and humid climate and a sunny exposure. It has a life span of several centuries.
Its cultivation has spread for ornamental purposes throughout the Far East, where it is associated to art and literature. There are about 300 ornamental cultivars. Flowering of Prunus mume is celebrated throughout the Far East.
The fruits are eaten in all kinds of shape in China, Japan and Korea: sauces, syrups, liquors, vinegar, the most common being the "salted plums" which have antiseptic and restorative properties. They also have medicinal properties: the use of mei fruit is mentioned in the Shennong bencao jing or Classic of the Materia Medica of the Heavenly plowman, compilation of pharmacopoeia texts dating from the beginning of our era. They are effective for the treatment of cough, diarrhea, and for the removal of intestinal parasites.
A pink, brown-violet dye, can be obtained from the fruit. The color varies according to the type of mordant: pale pink with alum, purple brown with iron salts.
