Greengage is an upright, deciduous shrub or small
tree, growing 2-6 m tall, occasionally up to 15 m. Leaves are ovate to
elliptic, toothed, dark green. White flowers are borne in spring
followed by small, oval to oblong, edible, green to yellow-green fruit.
Greengage fruit are identified by their round-oval shape and
smooth-textured, pale green flesh; they are on average smaller than
round plums but larger than mirabelle plums, usually 2-4 cm. The skin
ranges from green to yellowish, with a pale blue "blush" in some
cultivars. The flowers are eaten. They are used as a garnish for salads
and ice cream or brewed into a tea. Greengage is originally from
Persia, introduced into Europe, and now widely cultivated. Flowering:
May.
Medicinal uses: The dried fruit, known as
prunes, is a safe and effective laxative and is also stomachic. The
bark is sometimes used as a febrifuge and is styptic. An infusion of
the flowers has been used as a mild purgative for children.
Identification credit: Sonam Tamchos
Photographed in Leh, Ladakh.
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The flower labeled Greengage is ...