Ume, commonly known as the Japanese plum, is a fruit-bearing tree native to East Asia. It produces small, round fruits that are typically green or yellow when unripe and turn reddish or purplish as they mature. Ume is often used to make umeboshi, a traditional Japanese pickled plum, and umeshu, a sweet plum wine. The tree blooms in early spring, showcasing beautiful pink or white flowers that are celebrated in hanami festivals. Ume is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for its cultural significance in Japanese traditions, symbolizing resilience and the arrival of spring.