The Japanese plum, also known as ume, is a fruit-bearing tree native to East Asia. It produces small, round fruits that are typically green or yellow when unripe and turn to a reddish or purplish hue when mature. The fruit is often used in various culinary applications, including pickling and making umeboshi, a traditional Japanese pickled plum. In addition to its culinary uses, the Japanese plum tree is celebrated for its beautiful blossoms, which bloom in early spring. These flowers are often associated with the arrival of spring in Japan and are a popular subject in Japanese art and poetry. The tree is also valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various soil types.