Ume Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Ume

Ume blossoms, March
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Rosaceae
Genus:	Prunus
Species:	P. mume
Binomial name
*Prunus mume* Siebold & Zucc.

An ume tree, also known as Prunus mume

The ume (Prunus mume) is a special type of plum tree. It belongs to the Rosaceae family, which also includes roses and apples. You can find ume trees growing naturally in China, Korea, and Japan.

Ume trees are known for their beautiful white or pink flowers. These flowers often look a bit like almond blossoms. They usually bloom in late winter or early spring, even when it's still cold outside.

People have painted pictures of ume for a very long time. It is often shown with bamboo in traditional art.

What is Ume?
- Ume in Culture
- Ume vs. Other Plants
Images for kids
See also

What is Ume?

The ume is sometimes called the "Japanese apricot" or "flowering plum." In Western countries, people sometimes confuse ume with other fruits like plums, limes, or apricots. The word "ume" comes from the Japanese name for this plant.

Ume in Culture

In traditional Chinese culture, the ume blossom is very important. It is seen as one of the "Four Gentlemen" of plants, along with bamboo, chrysanthemum, and orchid. It is also one of the "Three Friends of Winter," together with pine and bamboo.

The ume flower is a symbol of strength and hope because it blooms in the cold winter. It shows that even in tough times, beauty can appear. Many people in China see the ume blossom as a symbol of their national spirit.

In some parts of China, there is a rainy season called "Meiyu." This name means "plum rain" because it happens when ume fruits are ripening. Ume is also a popular name for girls in some cultures.

Ume vs. Other Plants

It's important not to confuse the ume (Prunus mume) with other plants. For example, the plum blossom (Prunus salicina) is a different plant, even though it also has "plum" in its name. The ume tree is usually smaller, growing up to about three meters tall. Its flowers are often white or pink, while some other plum blossoms might be yellow.