ArborNote’s Tree of the Week was chosen by our product genius, Xiao! She chose the Plum Blossom (Prunus mume) that grows around her hometown in China. The Plum Blossom originated in the region around the Yangtze River in southern China and was cultivated domestically for both its ornamental beauty and its fruit. It was later introduced to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The beautiful white or pink flowers bloom in the late winter and early spring, notably during the spring festival. The flowers symbolize endurance, as they are the first to bloom despite the cold winter weather. The plant is intimately associated with art, literature, and everyday life in China. There are many mentions of this tree in literature and art. The fruit, known as meizi 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. The flowers are also appreciated for their characteristic fragrance, which is unique among apricots (even though American’s call it a plum!)