Plum

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Plum (tree), fruit tree of a genus of the rose family, which also contains the other trees that produce drupes (hard-pitted fruits): peach, cherry, almond, and apricot. About 12 plum species are cultivated throughout temperate regions for their fruit and as flowering ornamentals. The trees are rarely more than 10 m (33 ft) high. The plum varieties, which are suited to both warm and cool climates, exceed the other drupes.

The common European plum, the most important species, has been cultivated since ancient times and probably originated near the Caspian Sea. It was introduced into North America, possibly by the Pilgrims, and is now mostly cultivated in the western United States. Fruits of varieties of this species range in color from yellow or red to green, but purplish-blue is most common. Dried plums, or prunes, are made from the varieties that are richest in sugar and solids.

The Japanese plum, probably originating in China, was introduced into the United States in 1870. The fruit is more pointed at the apex than that of the common European plum, and its varieties are yellow or light red but never purplish-blue. The Damson plum—a small, oval, sweet fruit used mostly in jams—was first cultivated in ancient times in the region of Damascus.

Scientific classification: Plums belong to the genus Prunus of the family Rosaceae. The common European plum is classified as Prunus domestica, the Japanese plum as Prunus salicina, and the Damson plum as Prunus insititia.

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