バラ科サクラ属の落葉高木で、学名は Prunus salicina。英名は Japanese plum。
The Japanese plum (Prunus salicina) belongs to Rosaceae (the Rose family). It is a tall deciduous tree that is considered native to the Yangtze River basin in southern China. This tree has been cultivated and was introduced into Japan in the Nara Era (710-794). It can reach about 10 m in height. The white flowers come in late March to April and the sepals are spreading. The fruits ripen in June to July, and used for raw diets or processed foods. Its Japanese name is derived from the fact that it is more acidic than "momo" (peach). In Chinese, it is called "李" (li).