15 years ago, when the then DSIR was razing whole orchards of trees in Havelock North, wood from all the prune plums was rescued, and sent to Kay. The trees were planted at Koanga, but because we didn't know enough, we made the mistake of grafting them onto the wrong rootstock; it was too dwarfing.

The trees have been dug up and taken away, and have been regrafted onto peach rootstock. The trees flourished, some better than others. Prune plums usually do better in a colder climate than we have. The best of the regrafted trees have been returned to Koanga, and are doing really well up here in the North. Varieties include, Italian Prune, French Prune, and Blue Diamond.

Prune plums are luscious, and very different from other plums. They are traditionally used in Europe for drying ( = 'prunes' ) , for the making of plum pies, and in baking.
The flesh is firm, and meatier than other types of plum. They are freestone, and are very sweet. Eating them straight from the tree is " better than eating lollies."