Peach, common
name for a deciduous orchard tree of the rose family, and for the fruit of
this tree. The tree, which botanists believe is native to China,
is cultivated throughout warm temperate and subtropical regions of the
world. In the peach fruit, the stone is covered with a fleshy substance
that is juicy, melting, and of fine flavor when matured and mellowed. The
peach tree is of moderate height, more or less spreading according to
variety, and, when left to itself, deep-rooted. The popular division of
fruit varieties into clingstones and freestones—referring to the
relative tendency of the flesh to cling to the stone. The nearly 300
varieties of peaches grown in America have been classified into five
races, each with outstanding characteristics, ripening season, and
uses.The peach is not a long-lived tree, seldom living 30 years, and the
life of a commercial orchard is usually 7 to 9 years. Scientific
classification: The peach belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is classified
as Prunus persica.
Nectarine, common name for
a tree, a variety of the common peach, and for its smooth-skinned fleshy
fruit. The fruit differs from the peach in skin texture, aroma, and flavor
but closely resembles it in color and in size and shape of seed. Scientific
classification: The nectarine belongs to the family Rosaceae. It is
classified as Prunus persica variety nucipersica.