Japanese plum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Japanese plum
Scientific classification
Genus:	Prunus

The Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) is also known as the Chinese plum. It is a small tree that loses its leaves in winter. This tree first grew in China. Today, you can find it growing in fruit farms in Korea, Japan, the United States, and Australia.

What is the Japanese Plum?

The Japanese plum tree is part of the Prunus family. This family includes many well-known fruits. Think of peaches, cherries, and almonds! The tree itself is not very big. It is known for its tasty fruit.

The Tree's Appearance

This tree has pretty flowers in spring. These flowers often appear before the leaves. The leaves are usually bright green. They turn lovely colors in the fall. The bark of the tree is smooth.

About the Plum Fruit

The fruit of the Japanese plum is round or heart-shaped. It can be red, purple, or yellow. The skin is smooth and often has a powdery look. Inside, the flesh is juicy and sweet. It can also be a bit tart. There is one large seed in the middle.

Where Does the Japanese Plum Grow?

The Japanese plum is originally from China. It has been grown there for a very long time. People loved its fruit so much. They started planting it in other countries.

Growing Around the World

Today, you can find large plum farms in many places. These include Japan, Korea, and the United States. Australia also grows many Japanese plums. The tree grows best in places with mild winters. It needs warm summers to ripen its fruit.

How Plums Grow: Life Cycle

Like many fruit trees, the Japanese plum has a yearly life cycle. It starts with flowers and ends with fruit. This cycle repeats every year.

From Flower to Fruit

In early spring, the tree bursts with white or pink flowers. These flowers attract bees. Bees help to pollinate the flowers. After pollination, tiny plums start to form. They grow bigger throughout the spring and summer. By late summer, the plums are ripe and ready to pick.

Winter Rest

When autumn arrives, the leaves change color. They then fall off the tree. The tree goes into a resting period. This rest helps it get ready for the next spring. It stores energy for new growth.

Uses of the Japanese Plum

The Japanese plum is mostly grown for its delicious fruit. But it has other uses too!

Eating the Fruit

Most people enjoy eating fresh Japanese plums. They are a healthy snack. Plums are full of vitamins. They are also used in many recipes. You can make jams, jellies, and pies. Some people dry plums to make prunes.

Other Uses

Sometimes, the wood of the plum tree is used. It can be used for small woodworking projects. In some cultures, parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine. This is because some plants have natural properties that can help people.