About Prunus domestica L.
Prunus domestica L. is the scientific name for the species described here. It typically grows as a large shrub or small tree. Plants of this species may be somewhat thorny, and produce white blossoms that open in early spring. Its fruit is oval or spherical; while fruit size varies across the species, it can reach up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) across. The fruit pulp is usually sweet, but some varieties produce sour pulp. Like all fruits from the Prunus genus, this fruit contains a single large seed, commonly called a stone, that is discarded when the fruit is eaten. The pulp of Prunus domestica L. fruit is edible. While most pulp is sweet, pulp from some varieties is sour and must be cooked with sugar to become palatable. This species is grown commercially in dedicated orchards, but modern developments including new rootstocks, self-fertile strains, and specialized training and pruning methods allow individual plants to be grown in relatively small spaces. Because the species flowers and fruits early in the growing season, it needs to be planted in a sheltered location protected from frosts and cold winds. Most commercial prunes, which are dried plums, are produced from fruits of this species.
