Prunées

Prunées is the plural form of the French term prunée, used to refer to plum trees and their fruit within the genus Prunus. In horticultural and botanical usage, prunées encompasses both the trees and the edible drupes they produce; in English, these fruits are generally called plums, with dried forms referred to as prunes.

Taxonomy and species commonly associated with prunées include Prunus domestica (European plum and prune), Prunus salicina (Japanese plum), and Prunus cerasifera (myrobalan plum). Hybrids and many cultivated varieties are widespread, often grafted onto hardy rootstocks to improve vigor and adaptability.

Description and ecology: Prunées are typically deciduous trees or shrubs, reaching varying heights with oval to lanceolate leaves. They produce showy white to pink blossoms in early spring before leaf-out. The fruit is a drupe with a single stone, ripening from midsummer to autumn depending on the species and cultivar.

Distribution and habitat: Native to Europe and western Asia, prunées have been cultivated and naturalized worldwide. They thrive in temperate climates with well-drained soils and adequate chilling hours for proper fruit set and dormancy release.

Cultivation and uses: Commercial and garden plums require regular pruning, pest and disease management, and appropriate rootstocks. Fruit is consumed fresh, canned, or used in baking and desserts; dried plums (prunes) are a major product from certain prune-prone cultivars. Ornamental plum varieties are valued in landscaping for their blossoms, foliage, and seasonal color.

See also: Prune (dried plum), Prunus (genus), Prunus domestica, ornamental plum cultivars.