Elephant Heart Japanese Plum

Most likely hand-pollinated cross possibly involving Satsuma and unknown parent. Large vigorous tree with narrow upright growth habit. Thrives in arid and semi-arid areas, well suited to California conditions. Not self-fertile despite some conflicting sources, requires pollinator.

Large baseball-sized heart-shaped fruit with distinctive pointed non-stem end. Thick bronze-green skin covered in light yellow mottling, ripening to dark reddish-purple when fully mature. Firm dense aqueous crisp flesh flushed with ruby red, crimson and golden hues. Sometimes called "Blood Plum" for dark red flesh color. Central fibrous pit is freestone (not firmly adhered). Tart intensely sweet floral flavor with prominent notes of vanilla and berries. Sweet juicy rich flavor with little tartness at skin and pit when fully ripe. Yields 50+ pounds at maturity.

Developed at Luther Burbank's Sonoma County experimental farm early 1920s as part of his prolific plum breeding program (113 plum varieties total). Named for heart-shaped fruit, large size and rich deep red flesh color. Found at farmers markets and through specialty nurseries. Burbank's experimental farm (now 3 acres) preserved by Western Sonoma County Historical Society in 1974, listed on National Register as historic place with original fruit trees still present.