Images Dated 2013 June

Flowers and Fruit of Prunus mume

Flowers and Fruit of Prunus mume from "The Useful Plants of Japan, described and illustrated" published by the Agricultural Society of Japan, 1895. Prunus mume, the Chinese plum or Japanese apricot, traditionally heralds early spring. Ume were originally cultivated for their fruits, and used to make pickles, but the beauty of the trees blossoms led to associations including resilience, longevity and good health, as well as inspiring poets and artists

© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew