Prunus mume is an
Asian tree species classified in the
Armeniaca section of the
genus Prunus subgenus
Prunus. Its
common names include
Chinese plum and
Japanese apricot. The flower is usually called
plum blossom. This distinct tree species is related to both the plum and apricot trees. Although generally referred to as a plum in English, it is more closely related to the apricot. The fruit of the tree is used in Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking in juices, as a flavouring for alcohol, as a pickle and in sauces. It is also used in traditional medicine.