Peach (Prunus persica(L.)Batsch) is a small deciduous tree plant of Prunus in Rosaceae. The branches are cylindrical and smooth; Leaves alternate, ovate-lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, with fine teeth and stipules linear; Calyx pubescent, petals pink; Drupe broadly ovoid, densely pubescent; Hardwood; Seeds oblate, ovoid and cardioid; Flowering in February-March; The fruiting period is June-July.
Peach originated in China and has been cultivated for more than 4000 years. It is cultivated in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and other regions in China. Peach likes light, is not tolerant of shade, and is suitable for mild climate; Cold tolerance, drought tolerance, avoid waterlogging.
It is suitable for planting in soil with deep soil layer, rich humus, good drainage, loose and fertile soil and strong water and fertilizer conservation ability, and mostly grows on sunny or semi-sunny slopes with good light. Peach propagation mainly adopts sowing and grafting.
Botanical history:
Modern archaeologists in China discovered the wild peach pit 6,700 years ago at the Neolithic site in Hemudu, Zhejiang. A large number of wild peach stones have also been unearthed from Erligang bronze age site in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
Especially in the Shang Dynasty site of Taixi Village, Gaocheng County, Hebei Province, two peach stones and six peach kernels with complete appearance were unearthed. The peach pit is oval, with the length and width of 1.6× 1 and 2× 1.2 cm, dark brown, hard wood, wrinkles and holes on the surface, longitudinal grooves on both sides, sharp top, oblate base and center.
Peach kernel is gray-white, oval or oblong, with a length of 10- 15 mm and a width of 8- 12 mm, with thin sides, a blunt top and an oblate cross section. The seed coat is thin, and yellow-white seeds appear after crushing. After identification, it is exactly the same as the peach cultivated today. Unearthed cultural relics confirm ancient records and prove that China is the birthplace of peach trees, which have been used and planted for a long time.