A plum (Prunus domestica) is a drupe fruit (fruits that have a hard stone surrounding their seeds). Mature plum fruit may have a dusty-white coating and is known as "wax bloom". Dried plum fruits are called prunes. Plums may have been one of the first fruits domesticated by humans.
One of the unique things about plums is that there are so many varieties available - over 2,000. Plums are classified into six general categories—Japanese, American, Damson, Ornamental, Wild and European/Garden—whose size, shape and colours vary greatly. Although usually round, plums can also be oval or heart-shaped. The skins of plums can be red, purple, blue-black, red, green, yellow or amber, while their flesh comes in hues such as yellow, green and pink and orange—a virtual rainbow.
China is currently the world’s largest producer of plums.