23. & 24. Prunus persica, Peach and Nectarine

 

Peach, Prunus persica

 Prunus persica, peach and nectarine

 Prunus persica, Nectarine 

 

 

23/24. Peach/Nectarine, Prunus persica 

Artist’s Note:

Which came first, the fuzzy peach or the smooth nectarine? Opinions vary as to the answer. With only a tiny fraction of difference—perhaps only one gene—each produces a delicious, fragrant stone fruit. Both fruits have many varieties with yellow, white or even deep purple flesh with diverging subtle flavors and textures. Two major classifications are freestone and cling. 

In spring, these shapely small trees put on of a show with small delightful, pink blossoms on bare stems. In summer, branches covered with downy fruits and lush, lance-shaped leaves, are strikingly ornamental—the very essence of a warm summer day. Despite its name suggesting Persian origins, it is indigenous to China with historical references dating back to 1000 BCE.

 

 

Vulgo: Peach and Nectarine

 

Name: Prunus Persica

Family: Rosaceae

Habit: Tree

Height: 15 ft (4 M)

Native to: China

 

Leaf type: Simple

 

Shape: Lanceolate

 

Tip: Acute

 

Margin: Entire

 

Venation: Pinnate

 

Surface: Smooth

 

Leaf size: 4 in (10 cm)

 

Arrangement: Alternate

Pen and ink: Amber R Turner © 2020