It is said that plums may have been one of the first fruits domesticated by humans, and are a diverse group of species. Commercially grown plum trees are medium-sized, usually pruned to 5–6 metres of height and of medium hardiness.

Without pruning, the trees can reach 12 metres in height and spread across 10 meters. They blossom in different months in different parts of the world; for example, in about January in Taiwan, early April in the United Kingdom and August in Serbia.

Today, there are up to 40 different plum species that exist, of which only 2 varieties are grown for commercial use. A single raw plum is 87% water with a 100 gram plum being only 46 calories, and very rich in vitamin C.