Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of fruit: A yellow, olive-sized semitropical fruit with a large, free stone (pit) and relatively little flesh, often used for making jellies.
   • A type of tree: An evergreen tree (Eriobotrya japonica) native to warm regions, particularly China and Japan, which bears this fuzzy, yellow, olive-sized fruit. This tree is also commonly known as the loquat.
   • Another type of tree: A small tree (Prunus salicina) native to China and Japan that bears large yellow to red plums, which are often considered somewhat inferior in flavor to European plum varieties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Japanese plum from the loquat tree is perfect for making tangy jellies.
  • We planted a Japanese plum in the garden for its attractive evergreen foliage and sweet fruit.
  • While tasty, this variety of Japanese plum is often tarter than the plums from the local market.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Japanese plum" can refer to botanically distinct fruits (the loquat and a species of plum), which may cause confusion. Context usually clarifies which is meant.
  • In botanical terms, the loquat, sometimes called a Japanese plum, is not a true plum but belongs to the rose family.

Variants and Related Words

• Loquat (n): The more precise and common name for the evergreen tree () and its fruit, often synonymous with one meaning of "Japanese plum".
• Prunus salicina (n): The scientific name for the specific plum tree species also called "Japanese plum".

Synonyms

• For the loquat tree/fruit: Loquat, Nispero.
• For the plum tree: Chinese plum.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary ambiguity lies between the loquat (a subtropical evergreen tree with small, yellow, fuzzy fruit) and the true plum tree (a deciduous tree bearing larger, smooth-skinned red or yellow fruit). Both are native to East Asia and share the common name "Japanese plum".

Noun

1. yellow olive-sized semitropical fruit with a large free stone and relatively little flesh; used for jellies
2. evergreen tree of warm regions having fuzzy yellow olive-sized fruit with a large free stone; native to China and Japan
3. small tree of China and Japan bearing large yellow to red plums usually somewhat inferior to European plums in flavor