Blossoming plum in a moonlit garden
by Sarah Das Gupta
flower falls lightly on a royal forehead
even a princess’s beauty enhanced
| Botanical name: | Prunus mume |
| Popular names: | Plum Blossom, Meihua (China) |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Origin: | Area round Yangtze River, spread to Japan, Korea and Vietnam |
| Habitat: | Found in sparse forests, at edge of trails up to 3,100m. Sunny position, fertile soil, no water logging, blossom subject to frost damage. |
The national flower of China, the Plum blossom, starts to flower in late winter, early spring. Colours range through white, pink and red. The blossom has a characteristic fragrance. In China there are over 300 recorded cultivars.
Plum blossom plays an important symbolic role in Confucianism and Daoism. It represents the Five Virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and trustworthiness. The trees often bloom in adverse conditions which perhaps explains the flowers’ association with resilience and perseverance.
In Chinese art and calligraphy this blossom is often celebrated. It is the subject of classical poetry in the work of Wang Anshi and Lin Bu.
Further reading:
‘The Plum and Its Cultivation’, 2011, Bagenal, N.B., Cope Press, ISBN: 9781446537268
Author bio:
Sarah Das Gupta is a young 81 year old. Loves writing haiku and most forms of poetry. Is learning to walk after an accident. Main outside interests include equine sports. Lives near Cambridge, UK. Read other sciku by Sarah here.