Along with bamboo, the plant most intimately associated with art, literature and everyday life in China,[2] where it was later introduced to the remaining Sinosphere (Korea, Vietnam, and Japan).

Prunus mume originated in the region around the Yangtze River in southern China and was cultivated domestically for both its ornamental beauty and its fruit.

[9] Prunus mume is a deciduous tree that starts to flower in mid-winter, typically around January until late February in East Asia.

[9][14] The scientific name combines the Latin prūnus (“(European) plum tree”) and the obsolete Japanese pronunciation of 梅 (mume), which is ultimately likely derived from Middle Chinese.

[16] The term "winter plum" may be used too, specifically with regard to the depiction of the flower with its early blooming in Chinese painting.

[citation needed] Ornamental tree varieties and cultivars of P. mume have been cultivated for planting in various gardens throughout East Asia, and for cut blossoming branches used in flower arrangements.

[22] It ranges from light pinkish-orange to purplish black in colour and often has a smoky and slightly salty taste.

Maehwa-cha (매화차, 梅花茶; "plum blossom tea") is made by infusing the flowers in hot water.

A similar liquor in Korea, called maesil-ju (매실주, 梅實酒; "plum wine"), is marketed under various brand names, including Mae hwa soo, Matchsoon, and Seoljungmae.

Plums used for making umeboshi are harvested in late May or early June, while they are ripe enough in yellow, and layered with much salt.

Umeboshi are generally eaten with rice as part of a bento (boxed lunch), although they may also be used in makizushi (rolled sushi).

[citation needed] A very similar variety of pickled plum, xí muội or ô mai is used in Vietnamese cuisine.

[27] Plum blossoms have been well-loved and celebrated across the East Asian cultural sphere, beginning in China and later introduced to Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.

The plum blossom, which is known as the meihua (梅花), is one of the most beloved flowers in China and has been frequently depicted in Chinese art and poetry for centuries.

[16] The blossoms are so beloved because they are viewed as blooming most vibrantly amidst the winter snow, exuding an ethereal elegance,[16][28] while their fragrance is noticed to still subtly pervade the air at even the coldest times of the year.

[15][32] The plum blossom is also regarded as one of the "Four Gentlemen" of flowers in Chinese art, together with the orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo.

[32] It is one of the "Flowers of the Four Seasons", which consist of the orchid (spring), the lotus (summer), the chrysanthemum (autumn) and the plum blossom (winter).

[33] An example of the plum blossom's literary significance is found in the life and work of poet Lin Bu (林逋) of the Song dynasty (960–1279).

For much of his later life, Lin Bu lived in quiet reclusion on a cottage by West Lake in Hangzhou, China.

Their scattered shadows fall lightly on clear water, their subtle scent pervades the moonlit dusk.

As with the literary culture amongst the educated of the time, Lin Bu's poems were discussed in several Song dynasty era commentaries on poetry.

"—a comparison of the flowers with the plum blossom to which the renowned Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo (蘇東坡) replied, "Well, yes, they might.

[38] Legend has it that once on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, while Princess Shouyang (壽陽公主), daughter of Emperor Wu of Liu Song (劉宋武帝), was resting under the eaves of Hanzhang Palace near the plum trees after wandering in the gardens, a plum blossom drifted down onto her fair face, leaving a floral imprint on her forehead that enhanced her beauty further.

[39][40][41] The court ladies were said to be so impressed that they started decorating their own foreheads with a small delicate plum blossom design.

[44] The flowers are viewed and enjoyed by many as annual plum blossom festivals take place in the blooming seasons of the meihua.

[45][46] Plum blossoms are often used as decoration during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and remain popular in the miniature gardening plants of the art of penjing.

[49][50][51] The Moy Yat lineage of Wing Chun kung fu uses a red plum flower blossom as its symbol.

[61][62] Korean ceramist Master Kim Se-yong incorporates the blossom into many of his openwork celadon vases.

Plum flowers have five petals which are believed to carry 5 different blessings such as: wealth, health, virtue, peaceful and natural death.

The specific custom of viewing plum blossoms in Japan is now called umemi (梅見, plum-viewing).