name this tree

 There's a tree I've seen growing on nature strips and parks. In size
and shape it could pass as a plum tree, and its leaf size and shape
and density of foliage is very similar to that of the plum, too. But
this tree has distinctive red leaves, a very dark red. And right now
it is fruiting, the fruit resembles a dark cherry only it is egg-shaped
instead of being round. I have broken one open and it contains a red
stone about the size of a cherry stone, within crisp flesh just like
a cherry that's not yet ripe.

I haven't seen any sign of the fruit having been sampled by birds, so
maybe it is not edible or just not yet ripe.

Anyone know the tree's name?

(For the jokesters: I am quite sure it's not Fred, nor Joan, nor Myrtle!)
--
John Savage                   (my news address is not valid for email)

 I'm sure others can give you botanical names but I've aways known it as an
ornamental plum. Fruit is small and quite sour skin but ok flesh. We loved
them as kids.

Liz

 

John Savage wrote:

Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’ (Purple-leaved Cherry-plum)

See

http://www.treelogic.com.au/brimbank/15purplelefcherry.html  

 
Spot on! Thanks to others who answered, too. Anyone tried to make jam
from the fruit? If so, did you try to remove the skin first?
--
John Savage                   (my news address is not valid for email)

 
John, my grandmother used to make jam from this fruit, but it took lots
of sugar (not as sweet as other plums) and the skins were tough as
boots, so yes, I'd remove the skin.

Bronwyn ;-)


John Savage wrote: