The ume tree, also known as the Japanese plum, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia. It produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, often before the leaves appear. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and is valued for its ornamental beauty as well as its fruit, which is used in various culinary applications. The fruit of the ume tree is typically green or yellow and is sour in taste. It is commonly used to make umeboshi, a pickled plum, and umeshu, a sweet plum wine. The tree is culturally significant in Japan, symbolizing resilience and the arrival of spring.