Common Name(s): Assyrian Plum

Synonym(s):

Family: Boraginaceae

Native To: East Asia

Native Habitat: Lower plains and tropical regions

Growth Habit: Medium tree

Flowering: Flowers in March/April with the inflorescence being mostly white in color

Distinguishing Characteristics: The Assyrian plum produces a fruit that is light pale to brown or even pink in color, with the color getting darker as it ripens. Flowering occurs in chains of small white flowers. Very fast growing under the right conditions, but this means a need for pruning. It provides moderately hard, light, reasonably strong lumber, highly favored for ornamental woodwork.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes:

Ethnobotany: The fruit is edible when fully ripe and is quite sweet in taste. When the fruit is half-ripe, the pulp can be used as an alternative to paper glue. The half-ripe fruit is also used to make a broth, pickled, or preserves (the latter helping with indigestion). Consumption of the fruit is considered to be helpful in stimulating hair growth as well. Its bark and roots are often used for medicine against cough, cold, sore throat, indigestion, and other ailments.

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