Fun Fact: Cherry blossoms, the most popular flower in spring, actually originated in China

The origin of cherry blossoms and their differences from peach and pear blossoms

Cherry blossoms, a flower full of romance and poetry, have been loved by people since ancient times. However, did you know that cherry blossoms actually originated in China? And what is the difference between cherry blossoms and peach blossoms and pear blossoms? Today, let us walk into the world of cherry blossoms and explore the stories behind these beautiful flowers.

1. The Origin and Spread of Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are native to the Yangtze River Basin, Southwest China, and Taiwan Province. As early as the Qin and Han Dynasties, the royal family had planted cherry blossoms, and the cultivation history dates back more than 2,000 years. In the Han and Tang Dynasties, they were widely planted in private gardens. In the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, from the corridors of the palace to the fields of the people, cherry blossoms could be seen everywhere, setting off a magnificent scene of a prosperous China. At that time, all nations came to pay tribute, and Japanese pilgrims admired the brilliance of Chinese culture. Cherry blossoms were brought back to Japan along with architecture, clothing, tea ceremony, kendo, etc.

Cherry blossoms have been cultivated in Japan for more than 1,000 years. In the Nara period (710-794), flowers meant cherry blossoms. In the Heian period (794-1192), cherry blossoms became a symbol of spring. Cherry blossom viewing also became an important folk activity.

2. The difference between cherry blossoms, peach blossoms and pear blossoms

Although cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and pear blossoms are all flowers that bloom in spring, there are distinct differences between them.

Cherry blossoms

Cherry blossom is a general term for various plants of the subgenus Prunus in the Rosaceae family. The bark of cherry blossoms is mostly purple-brown, shiny, and has a horizontal texture; the twigs are purple-brown or light reddish brown and glabrous; the leaves are elliptical-ovate or obovate, with acuminate or cuspidate tips, rounded bases, rarely cuneate, with sharp double serrations on the edges, acuminate tips, with small glands, dark green above, glabrous, light green below, and sparsely pubescent along the veins; the petioles are 1.3-1.5 cm long, densely pubescent, with 1-2 glands at the top or sometimes without glands; the stipules are lanceolate, with pinnate glandular teeth, pubescent, and fall off early.

The inflorescence of cherry blossom is umbellate racemose, with a very short peduncle, 3-4 flowers, which open before the leaves, and the flower diameter is 3-3.5 cm; the involucral bracts are brown, elliptic-ovate, 6-7 mm long, 4-5 mm wide, and sparsely pubescent on both sides; the bracts are brown, spoon-shaped and oblong, about 5 mm long, 2-3 mm wide, with glands on the edges; the pedicels are 2-2.5 cm long and pubescent; the calyx tube is tubular, 7-8 mm long, about 3 mm wide, and sparsely pubescent; the sepals are triangular-long ovate, about 5 mm long, acuminate at the apex, with glandular teeth on the edges; the petals are white or pink, elliptic-ovate, concave at the apex, and entire and bifid; there are about 32 stamens, shorter than the petals; there is sparse pubescence at the base of the style.

The fruit of cherry blossom is nearly spherical, black, 0.7-1 cm in diameter, with soft hairs on the surface and ridges on the surface. The flowering period is April and the fruiting period is May.

Peach Blossom

Peach blossoms, the flowers of peach trees, belong to the Rosaceae family. The leaves are elliptical-lanceolate and the drupes are nearly spherical. They are mainly divided into two categories: fruit peaches and flower peaches. Peach blossoms are native to central and northern China and are now widely planted in temperate countries and regions around the world. Their reproduction is mainly by grafting.

Peach blossoms have a high ornamental value and are a common material for literary creation. In addition, the elements in peach blossoms have medicinal value in dredging meridians and moisturizing the skin. Its flower language and representative meaning are: the captive of love. From March to June every year, various places will hold different peach blossom festivals with peach blossoms as the medium.

Pear Blossom

Pear blossoms are flowers of the genus Pyrus in the Rosaceae family. Pear trees are deciduous trees with round leaves like large-leaved poplars, a trunk covered with rough bark, and branches that are like umbrellas. They bloom in spring, with pure white flowers like snowflakes and a strong fragrance. The fruit can be eaten raw, and can also be used to make wine, pear paste, pear preserves, and medicinal purposes.

Pears have been cultivated in my country for more than 2,000 years. There are many types and varieties, and the history is long. They have been loved by people since ancient times, and their simple and elegant appearance has won the praise of poets. They are native to my country and cultivated throughout the country. The production of pears in my country is second only to apples in terms of production and the length of time they have been produced.

In general, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms and pear blossoms are all representative flowers of spring. They have their own characteristics and add endless colors and vitality to spring. Whether it is the gorgeousness of cherry blossoms, the beauty of peach blossoms or the elegance of pear blossoms, they are all beautiful gifts given to us by nature, which are worth our careful appreciation and cherishment.