190 ARISTOCRATS OF THE GARDEN 



The common Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca), its 

 specific name notwithstanding, is also native of north- 

 ern China and, like its allies, is not only a valuable 

 fruit tree but is likewise a handsome and ornamental 

 flowering plant. This, too, has been long cultivated 

 in the Far East, and in Japan varieties differing in 

 habit and color of flowers have originated. The type 

 and its varieties are all very hardy and in New Eng- 

 land gardens they are often cultivated under the 

 erroneous name of P. mume. 



In Japan this Apricot is known as Ansu and the 

 fruit is pickled and is served as an appetizer; but 

 under the same name the Japanese cultivate another 

 species (P. ansu), which is distinguished by the blade 

 of the leaf tapering to a narrow wedge at the base. 

 This species is native of Korea and has ascending- 

 spreading branches and rigid shoots. In Japan 

 forms with single and double white and pink flowers 

 are grown. 



In Mandshuria a third species of Apricot (P. mand- 

 schurica) grows wild. This tree is distinct, with its 

 light gray rather scaly bark, wide-spreading crown, 

 and spiny inner branches. The flowers are large, 

 white or nearly so. 



Of Cherries proper the next chapter treats, but 

 of several cognate plants it is convenient to speak 



