Plum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Plum |
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Prunus
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A plum is a sweet and juicy fruit that grows on a plum tree. The scientific name for the most common plum tree is Prunus domestica. This is also known as the European plum. Many of the plums we enjoy come from different types of this tree. When a plum is dried, it becomes a prune. The deep purple color we call "plum" is named after this fruit.
Plum trees are usually large shrubs or small trees. In spring, they have beautiful white blossoms. Their branches sometimes have thorns. Plum fruits can grow up to 8 cm (about 3 inches) wide. Most are sweet and great for eating fresh. Some types are sour and need to be cooked with sugar. Each plum has one large seed inside.
Some plum trees need another plum tree growing nearby. This helps to fertilize their flowers. Without this, the tree might not grow any fruit.
Plums come in many colors. The ones we call "purple plums" are a deep purple color. Other plums can be reddish-purple, yellow, red, green, or even white. Each plum has a groove running down one side. Inside, there's a smooth, hard stone, which is the seed. The fruit's flesh is often brownish and very juicy. You can eat the skin too! Plums are also used to make jam and their juice can be used to make wine. Plums are closely related to the apricot.
Growing Plums
There are many different types of plums, called cultivars. Plums come in a wide range of colors and sizes. Some have firmer flesh than others. The flesh can be yellow, white, green, or red, with skin colors that vary just as much.
Types of Plums
Here are some of the most well-known types of plums:
- Damson
- These plums have purple or black skin and green flesh.
- Their seed sticks to the flesh (called "clingstone").
- They can taste a bit sharp or tart.
- Greengage
- These plums have firm, green flesh and skin.
- They stay green even when they are ripe.
- Yellowgage or golden plum
- These are similar to greengages but are yellow.
- Victoria plum
- This type has yellow flesh with red or spotted skin.
- Satsuma plum
- This plum has firm red flesh and red skin.
- Mirabelle plum
- These are small, dark yellow plums.
- They are mostly grown in northeast France.
Related pages
Images for kids
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African Rose plums (Japanese or Chinese plum)
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Plum flowers
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Plum unripe fruits
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Prune, a dried plum
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Japanese or Chinese plum
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Damsons (European plum)
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Prune plums (European plum)
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Victoria plums (European plum)
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Greengages (European plum)
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Mirabelles (European plum)
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Myrobalan or cherry plums
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Sloe or blackthorn, Prunus spinosa
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Dried yellow plums
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Black Amber Plum (Japanese or Chinese plum)
See also
In Spanish: Ciruela para niños
