バラ科サクラ属の落葉小高木で、学名は Prunus mume。英名は Japanese apricot。
The Japanese apricot (Prunus mume) belongs to Rosaceae (the Rose family). It is a semi-tall decidous tree that is native to China. This tree was introduced into Japan in Nara Era (1,300 years ago), and it can reach 5-10 m in height. There are many cultivars, and divided into No-ume breed, Koubai breed and Bungo breed. Scented flowers on the axils of new branch come from January to March. Fruits are ripen yellow at Bai-u (rainy season). In Chinese, it is called "梅" (mei).