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Japanese Plum (Ume / Mume)

Name: Japanese Plum (Ume / Mume) - Kahikatea Farm Certified Organic Nursery and Permaculture Farm
Price: 38.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

Prunus mume (syn Armeniaca mume)

$38.00

In stock

Also known as Chinese Plum and Japanese Apricot, this deciduous tree originated in southern China and spread to other parts of Eastern Asia. Although generally referred to as a plum in English, it is more closely related to the apricot. Beautiful pink fragrant blossoms appear in mid-late winter (and are therefore susceptible to frosts) and are an important cultural symbol. They are followed by the fruits in early summer.

Prunus mume is a fairly quick growing but long-lived tree, with some specimens along the Yangtze River valley reputed to be 1000 years old! Mature height is 4-10m, with a spread of up to 6m. The tree has a somewhat unkempt habit, similar to a wild plum, sometimes with a central leader/ladder shape, sometimes with a double leader, sometimes growing naturally into a more of a vase shape.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not generally form prune the trees in the nursery – you can choose to prune if or how it suits you best. However our current batch have been cut back significantly in order to keep them under the maximum shipping height, and are generally forming a straggly vase shape.

Seed grown, not grafted. Self fertile.

PB8 60-100cm

Cultivation

Suitable for most soil types, but as its native habitat is riparian it is best in fertile soils with steady year-round moisture, and good drainage. Tolerates full sun to dappled shade. Flower buds form on one year old wood, so prune after fruit harvest.

Uses

The flowers are edible; in Korea they are also used to make pancakes, and they can be made into a tea.

Although the fruit can be eaten raw, it is sour and hard, and usually processed before consumption. In China the fruits are made into a sauce, in Korea a syrup, and both countries, along with Japan, they are pickled in salt and sometimes vinegar, and eaten as a condiment (in Japan known as umeboshi). Each country also has its own liquor specialty made from the fruit, including wine, plums macerated in sticky rice wine, and a mix of plum wine and oolong tea liquor. The possibilities for cocktail hour sound fascinating and endless!

The seeds are also edible raw or cooked, however, most, if not all members of the Prunus genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison which is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Medicinal Uses

The fruits are known in Asia for their health-giving properties and have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Some studies have shown plant extracts can control dental disease, inhibit gastric ulcers, and enhance oxidative capacity of muscle.

History / Folklore / Further Info

Japanese tradition holds that the ume functions as a protective charm against evil, so the ume is traditionally planted in the northeast of the garden, the direction from which evil is believed to come. The eating of the pickled fruit for breakfast is also supposed to stave off misfortune.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.