PRUNUS MUME.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15017, 11 July 1914, Page 9

PRUNUS MUME.

A Peninsula enthusiast writes asking for information regarding tho Prunus Mumo, and wishes to know to which, family this belongs and any other facts about it. Tho Prunus Mumo. is a native of Japan, and is popularly known as the Japanese Apricot. Tho Prunus family, which includes- tlie plum, cherry, peach, apricot, and belongs to the order Rosacea?. There are- no fewer than to species, mostly pink or whito flowered, and a few bright reds. The varieties Prunus Mume have boon improved very much by tho hybridist who has developed many novelties of great merit. There are singlo and double flowered kinds, which come very early into bloom: so early that they aro liable to bo frosted unless grown in favoured localities. Already they aro swelling thoir flower buds, and by the end of July or tho first week in August will be in full bloom. The flowers give out a delightful scent, adding much to the worth of the flowers And their popularity. Some seasons the...trees\aro laden with fruit, but this,, however, of very moderate quality, -and valnaDle only for stewing purposes. Tho,"trees are liable to bocorne unshapely unless vigorously pruned. This pruning should be dono after the flowering is over, and yearly, thus to ensure—healthy growth, which will bo laden with a wealth of. bloom the following spring.. There are a number of specimens of this family throughout the Dominion, and when better- known it will be more freely planted. The pink and red varieties are very striking and effective for border decoration, and invaluable, for cutting purposes. Those who garden under favourable conditions, where the climate is not severe, should favourably consider the Prunus Mufhe. ' '