Prunus mume 'Mikaikou'

prunus mume 'mikaikou'

Flower name
Prunus mume 'Mikaikou'
Scientific name
prunus mume 'mikaikou'
Alias梅, ウメ, ume, Prunus mume, 八重, ミカイコウ
Place of originChina (cultivated kind)
Place of floweringGarden, Botanical Gardens, Park, Horticultural species, Bonsai
Flowering seasonFebruary

What is Prunus mume 'Mikaikou'

Prunus mume 'Mikaikou' (scientific name: Prunus mume 'Mikaikou') is a flowering plum tree (hanaume - yabai-kei - yabai-sho), double-petaled, clasping, red, medium blooming, early blooming, mid to late January flowering. Stamens are short. The buds are bright red and turn light red when in bloom. There are various theories as to the origin of the flower's name, but my personal interpretation is that it means that the numerous crimson buds that appear on the branches in early spring are exceptionally beautiful, and that the flower is as beautiful as if it were in bloom even before blooming (not yet open).

Hana-ume means
Prunus mume with beautiful flowers are generally "hana-ume" (there are exceptions among them).

What is "yabai-kei"?
This is a strain close to the original species that came to Japan from China, the origin of the Prunus mume tree. Young branches are green, but the parts exposed to the sun turn red. The leaves and flowers are small and aromatic. Most of them are white or peach-colored, but there are some with red flowers such as 'Prunus mume' and 'Yae Kankou'.

What is "Yabai-sho"?
Branches with many thorns and prominent stamens. Leaves have no hairs.

Common name: Ume Mikaikou, scientific name: Prunus mume 'Mikaikou', Tree height: 3-6 m, life form: deciduous small tree, leaf shape: ovate to oblong, inflorescence: alternate, leaf margin: serrate, flower size: medium, flower diameter: 2-2.5 cm Uses: viewing, bonsai.