Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to narrowly elliptical with a tapering acuminate tip
Margin
Serrate (finely toothed) edge
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent central midrib and branching secondary veins
Key Features
Lanceolate shape with finely serrate margins, a distinctively tapered tip, and typically bearing small glands on the petiole or base of the leaf blade
Description
Prunus persica is a deciduous small tree growing up to 4-10 meters tall. It features lanceolate simple leaves, showy pink flowers in early spring, and the widely consumed fleshy stone fruit known as the peach. The leaves emerge green, provide dense canopy shade, and turn a subtle yellow before dropping in autumn.
Habitat
Well-draining, fertile loamy soils in full sun exposure; commonly cultivated in temperate and subtropical orchards
Native Range
Native to Northwest China, now widely cultivated in temperate and warm-temperate regions worldwide