Eristalis tenax on Prunus mume 'Kobai' / Common Drone Fly on 'Kobai' Japanese Plum Blossom at the Coker Arboretum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC

Essential Japanese Seasonal Decorations - Winter

Seasonality: Late Winter/ January

Japanese Name: Wagashi - Kobai

English Name: Traditional Japanese Confectionery - Red Plum Blossom

    The ume [梅], or Japanese apricot blossom, is a flower that blooms from late winter to early spring (January to February) and is associated with the traditional Japanese new year that was based on the lunar calendar. Part of the charm of plum blossoms derived from the fact that during the cold when the landscape remained barren, such bold and beautiful flowers could blossom from the gnarled and nearly black branches of the plum tree. The brightly colored petals ranging from white, yellow, and light pink to even a dark maroon stood in stark contrast to the bare branches. This aesthetically pleasing sight has gone on to symbolize youth and new beginnings.

(Text Source 1)

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Eristalis tenax on Prunus mume 'Kobai' / Common Drone Fly on 'Kobai' Japanese Plum Blossom at the Coker Arboretum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC