Prunus insititia var. nigra
Bullace
Anne Dana
Watercolour
Artwork size in cm, 36 x 26
£485.00
Ancestor to the plum and thought to have been brought to Britain by the Romans. The name of this wild plum may originate from the old French “beloce” meaning sloe. In size and colour it is between a damson and a sloe. Extensively cultivated in the Middle Ages it fell out of favour to newer, larger or sweeter types of damson. As a wild plum its hardiness meant that it was often grown as a windbreak or hedging, giving fruit till later in the year.
My sample was found near a ruined abbey and was probably originally grown there by monks. The fruits can be made into jam or pies, tart in flavour and being small, need to have many stones removed before eating.
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