Hi everyone, Susan here, your friendly garden guide, ready to dig into another fascinating fruit with you! Today, we’re tackling a topic that often leaves people scratching their heads: the Armenian plum. What is it, really? Is it a plum? Is it an apricot? Let’s unravel this mystery together, shall we?

A Case of Mistaken Identity

The Armenian plum, despite its name, is actually the fruit more commonly known as the apricot. Yes, you read that right! This intriguing fruit, a beloved symbol of Armenia and its national fruit, often causes confusion due to its dual identity.

You see, the tree itself, scientifically known as Prunus armeniaca, belongs to the Prunus genus, just like plums. This close family tie explains the “plum” in its name. However, the fruit it bears is what we all know and love as the apricot.

Adding to the confusion are the many names this fruit wears: ansu apricot, Siberian apricot, and Tibetan apricot, each hinting at the vast history and cultivation of this ancient fruit.

Tracing the Apricot’s Roots

Pinpointing the exact origin of the apricot is a bit like piecing together an ancient puzzle. Its cultivation stretches back to prehistoric times, making it difficult to say for sure where it first appeared. Some believe it originated in China, while others point to Armenia or other regions of Central Asia.

Today, while apricot trees thrive in many parts of the world, truly wild stands are rare. One place you can still find them growing freely is in the breathtaking landscapes of Tibet.

Apricot vs. Plum: A Family Affair

While the Armenian plum, aka apricot, and the plum are distinct fruits, they share a close botanical bond. Both belong to the same genus, Prunus, and even the same subgenus, Prunophors. This close relationship makes them ideal candidates for crossbreeding, and that’s exactly what horticulturalists have done!

The result? Delicious hybrid fruits like the aprium, plumcot, and pluot, each boasting a unique blend of flavors and textures inherited from their parent fruits. These hybrids are a testament to the fascinating possibilities of plant breeding and a delicious reminder of the interconnectedness of the plant world.

Getting to Know the Armenian Plum (Apricot) Tree

Now that we’ve cleared up the identity mystery, let’s get to know the Armenian plum tree, or as we now know it, the apricot tree, a little better.

• 
  

  Size and Shape: Apricot trees are relatively small, typically reaching heights of 12 feet (3.5 meters) when fully grown. They have a spreading habit, forming a beautiful, rounded canopy that offers welcome shade on sunny days.

  
  
• 
  

  Flowers: In spring, the apricot tree puts on a stunning floral display. Its delicate, white blossoms resemble those of its stone fruit cousins – peaches, plums, and cherries – adding a touch of elegance to the garden.

  
  
• 
  

  Pollination: Good news for gardeners short on space – apricot trees are self-fruitful! This means you only need one tree to enjoy a bountiful harvest. Honeybees are their primary pollinators, buzzing from flower to flower, ensuring a good fruit set.

  
  
• 
  

  Fruiting: Patience is key when it comes to apricot trees. They typically take three to five years after planting before they start producing a significant crop.

  
  
• 
  

  Fruit Description: The apricot itself is a drupe, characterized by its fleshy exterior and a single, hard stone (or pit) in the center. Ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4-6 cm) wide, apricots are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Their golden-yellow skin often blushes with shades of red, and their juicy flesh, primarily orange, offers a sweet, slightly tart flavor that’s simply irresistible.

  
  
• 
  

  Harvest Time: Depending on the variety and climate, apricots take about three to six months to mature. In regions like California, peak harvest season typically falls between May 1st and July 15th.

  
  

Resources for Further Exploration

For those eager to delve deeper into the world of apricots and other fruits, here are some valuable resources:

• The Incredible Edible Garden: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-incredible-edible-garden/ – This book is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in growing their own food, including tips on selecting and caring for fruit trees.
• The National Gardening Association: https://garden.org/ – This website offers a wealth of gardening resources, from plant databases to expert advice, making it a one-stop shop for all your gardening needs.
• The Old Farmer’s Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/ – A trusted source for generations, the Old Farmer’s Almanac provides a wealth of information on gardening, weather, astronomy, and more.

So there you have it, the mystery of the Armenian plum, solved! It’s a fascinating example of how a single fruit can carry multiple names and a rich history spanning centuries and continents.

Happy gardening, everyone!

Warmly,

Susan