Prunus ×domestica L.

Deciduous, generally small tree up to c. 6–(9) m high when mature, sometimes forming thickets, not or sparsely armed; trunk short to fairly tall; secondary branches erect to spreading. Lf petiole (10)–15–30 mm long, pilose at least when young; blade moderately thin, obovate to broadly elliptic or suborbicular, 30–70–(120) × 15–45–(60) mm, acute or short-apiculate at apex, cuneate at base, glabrous and ± slightly shining above, duller below, hairy at first and usually with at least some hairs remaining on major veins and lower part of margins, otherwise glabrous, serrulate, almost 2-serrate or crenate, sometimes with teeth glandular; stipules short, oblong-triangular, deciduous. Fls 1–2–(4), in fascicles on short shoots, not fragrant; pedicels (5)–10–25–(30) mm long, pendent or spreading, glabrous or hairy, greenish. Hypanthium broad; sepals oblong-lanceolate, c. 3 mm long, obtuse, glabrous or glabrate except on inner face, mostly green, often becoming reflexed, with or without marginal, stalked glands. Petals 5, spreading, ± orbicular or elliptic-obovate, (8)–10–15 mm long, rounded, ± undulate, white or greenish white. Stamens < petals; filaments whitish. Fr. (20)–25–45 mm long (to c. 60 mm in cultivation), globose, subglobose, broadly ellipsoid or broadly ovoid-oblong, sulcate, glabrous, green, yellow, red or blackish purple in flesh and skin, usually pruinose, somewhat sweet to dry or slightly bitter; stone smooth.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Aug.–Sep.; Fruiting: Jan.–Feb.