Hwaeommae Plum of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye

Basic information

Designation

Natural Monument No.485

Category

동식물

Designated year

2007

Location

구례군, 전라남도— 전라남도 구례군 화엄사로 539 (마산면)

Coordinates

35.259919, 127.499545

This plum tree stands in the midst of a bamboo grove on a steep slope in front of Gilsangam, a hermitage in the grounds of Hwaeomsa Temple. Four plum trees originally stood here, but the other three have died. Plum trees that grow in Korea belong to a native Chinese species, Prunus mume, and most cultivars have been developed by grafting from specimens with good flowers. However, this plum tree is classified as a “wild plum,” which spreads through the seeds of fruits that have been discarded after being eaten by humans or animals. Wild plum trees typically have smaller flowers and fruit but a stronger fragrance than cultivars.

Location