These species are sometimes collected from the wild and eaten, but have also been valuable for breeding Japanese plum hybrids. Some of these, particularly pluots, have good quality and are beginning to receive some commercial attention. Reine Claude', 'Imperial Gage', 'Hand' 2. Yellow egg', 'Golden drop' 4. Lombard - Large, oval, red or pink plums, said to be of lower quality than groups 1 and 2.
Trees have rougher bark, more persistent spurs, and more numerous flowers than European types.
Although there are 100 cultivars of these plums, none are of great importance, mostly being used for preserves, jellies, or jams, or sauces in the regions they are found. Origin, history of cultivation. May have occurred during the last 2000 years. This species originated in China, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Folklore, medicinal and non-food uses.