The species is fairly tolerant of alkaline conditions but is very sensitive to high salt levels in the soil. The tree The apricot tree is deciduous and grows to a height of 10-15 metres. It is drought resistant and winter hardy when dormant. Bark on the trunk is dark brown and rough, with new growth being more smooth and light brown often with an orange tinge and white flecked appearance. Flowers which emerge before the leaves are white or pink, solitary, with five regular sepals and petals and many stamen.
Leaves are smooth, large and roundish, with a pointed apex and finely serrated margin.
The petiole is 1-3 centimetres long, generally tinged with red. The fruit which ripens in the Southern Hemisphere between November and January depending on variety and growing region is a drupe. It has a thin outer, downy skin enclosing edible yellow flesh. Skin of the fruit often has a red blush. This flesh which is very sweet is most tasty when allowed to ripen on the tree.