Plum Tree with spikes!

[WarChild007]

Does anyone know what type of tree has fruit that is like a small plum. They are sweet and I have eaten them? They look like a small plum, having a dull purple/reddish skin which when wiped becomes shiny. The tree is about 12 ft high with thin branches. However, the tree has quite large spikes. It has been, unnoticed, in our garden for several years but this year is the first time we have had flowers and fruit.

[Dorts]

Welcome to WAB Warchild.

It looks like a Plum. It tastes like a Plum. That's because it is a Plum.

What has probably happened, which is not uncommon, is that the proper Plum part of the tree that was planted has died leaving the 'root-stock', onto which the original 'Plum' was grafted, which was the Wild, 'thorny' Plum. That has now matured into the tree you have described.
Dorts.

[WarChild007]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Welcome to WAB Warchild.

It looks like a Plum. It tastes like a Plum. That's because it is a Plum.

What has probably happened, which is not uncommon, is that the proper Plum part of the tree that was planted has died leaving the 'root-stock', onto which the original 'Plum' was grafted, which was the Wild, 'thorny' Plum. That has now matured into the tree you have described.
Dorts.

Hi Dorts,

Many thanks for the welcome and your quick response!

Your explaination makes sense and we shall enjoy our home grown plum crumble this afternoon, without fear of it killing us!

Many Thanks!