Japanese apricot tree, Prunus mume Sieb. Et Zucc. This deciduous tree with dark brown bark was brought from China and shares properties with both the apricot and the plum. The wood of the ume that bears white blossoms is light colored, while that of the ume with red blossoms has a pinkish hue. Although ume is a hard, resilient wood, it is easy to work and is prized for its luster.