Prunus domestica Węgierka Zwykła - Common plum

The 'Węgierka Zwykła' plum is one of the oldest varieties still in cultivation. This small tree takes several years before bearing fruit, then offers abundant harvests. Small, purple plums with golden and sweet flesh can be enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or preserved. They are harvested in September and are perfect for making delicious jams. A historic, self-fertile Plum tree, moderately resistant to diseases.

The Plum tree is a member of the vast Rosaceae family (rich in about 5000 species), like most of our other fruit trees (Apple tree, Apricot tree, Quince tree and even Strawberry). The genus Prunus includes 300 species, fruit-bearing, ornamental, or both. The Common Plum tree (Prunus domestica), believed to be a cross between the Blackthorn (P. spinosa) and the Cherry Plum (P. cerasifera), forms a tree 8 to 10 m high, with branches that break easily. Originating from Anatolia and the Caucasus, it can be found up to 1300 m altitude. It has been extensively cultivated and improved in Western Asia, particularly in Syria, where the famous Damson plums were appreciated by the Roman legions. It is said to have been introduced to Europe during the Crusades.
'Węgierka Zwykła' means "Common Hungarian" in Polish, as this variety is said to have passed through the Caspian Sea and Hungary before reaching Poland, probably in the first half of the 17th century. It forms a small tree, 3 to 5 m high, with a crown initially conical, then rounded. The branches bear medium green leaves, slightly more elongated than other varieties. In April, a white flowering occurs, consisting of small, single, 1.5 cm diameter, self-fertile flowers. However, the first fruiting occurs only 4 to 5 years after planting. The production is generally abundant, although it consists of small fruits, weighing on average 20 to 25 g. The plums are elongated, purple and covered with a whitish bloom, and their golden flesh easily separates from the stone. It is firm, moderately juicy, and sweet. Plums can be harvested from September, to be consumed immediately, or used in desserts and jams. They are also used to make a popular brandy in the Balkans, called "slivovitz."

The 'Węgierka Zwykła' plum is resistant to scab but is sensitive to botrytis and some viruses. It will appeal to enthusiasts of old varieties, eager to perpetuate the cultivation of this historic variety. The Common Medlar 'Westerveld' (Mespilus germanica) is a small fruit tree with a long history, producing fruits which are somewhat forgotten today, whose harvest will extend that of your Plum tree. The Apple tree 'Reinette Clochard', known since at least the 18th century, will find a place in your traditional orchard, especially since its fruits, with a sweet and tangy flavour, keep very well. The Pear tree 'William's Bon Chrétien', appearing at the end of the 18th century, will also be a perfect companion for your other fruit trees, offering you melting, sweet, and fragrant pears.