The power of plants

The peach tree is native to China, and known for its delicious and juicy white, yellow or pink fruit with a velvety or smooth skin. After reaching Persia on the Silk Road, it became popular in Europe where it was grown in the gardens at Versailles, France. Here, thirty or so varieties were created for Louis XIV, a great lover of the fruit with its many symbols and virtues. According to Chinese legend, the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu) had peach trees in her orchard which flowered every 3,000 years, and produced peaches that could make those who ate them immortal. The tree has fine, serrated leaves which have a subtle almond fragrance. In China and Japan, peach flowers are associated with fertility, love, fidelity and virginity. The tree has fine, dentate leaves which have a subtle almond fragrance and its sap was used in the Middle Ages to reduce dark spots on the skin.