Prunus mume 梅 (also plum blossom or Chinese plum) is intimately associated with art, literature, and everyday life in China, from where it was then introduced to Korea, Vietnam, and Japan. The flower is one of the “Three Friends of Winter” along with bamboo and pine. 🌸🎋🌲

Its fruit, known as meizi 梅子 in Chinese, is used in juices and sauces; as a flavoring for alcohol; and may be pickled or dried. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine.