Plum tree named ‘Plumsweet XVII’

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plum tree, Prunus salicina , and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, and productive tree. Being self-unfruitful, the present variety requires cross pollination from an apricot, interspecific, or plum that blooms during the early season, such as ‘Yummygem’ plum tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,809). The present variety produces a heavy bloom with a moderate amount of pollen to entice good bee activity to facilitate pollination. The fruit matures under the ecological conditions described during late May, with first picking on May 25, 2015. The fruit is uniformly medium in size, a green and red two-tone in skin color, full red in flesh color, clingstone in type, oblate in shape, firm in texture, juicy, very sweet, and excellent in flavor.

We claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of plum tree,  Prunus salicina , substantially as illustrated and described, that is most similar to its seed parent, ‘Plumsweet VI’ interspecific tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,687), by being self-unfruitful and by producing fruit that is a green and red two-tone in skin color, full red in flesh color, firm in texture, juicy, and sweet in flavor, but is distinguished therefrom by being easier to set, by producing fruit that is larger in size and that matures about five days earlier.