Prunus Armeniaca ‘Moniqui’ – Apricot

Description

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a popular drupe. It originates from northeast China near the Russian border and not from Armenia, which could be deduced from the specific name. The apricot did not arrive in Armenia until 3000 years later and was spread all over Europe by the Romans via Greece in 70 BC.
The traditional growing area is the Hungarian lowlands. At the time, the Ottomans planted large orchards of apricots here, which were neglected after their departure. Apricots are very suitable for this because they can also tolerate heat and drought well.
Today, apricots are mainly grown in Italy and Spain. Apricots are also grown further north, such as in Wachau (Austria) and the Swiss canton of Valais. There are also crosses between apricot and Japanese plum. These species crosses are indicated by the names plumcot, aprium and pluot.