Prunus persica, the peach tree, is a medium-sized tree with smooth, reddish brown bark and light pink to white flowers. The peach tree is thought to have originated in China as early as 2000 BC, and was spread westward by the Greeks and Romans. The Spanish introduced the tree into the New World, and for hundreds of years, the peach tree was only grown by nobles. It wasn't until around the 19th century that large-scale peach growing began in the US. In addition to the fruit, the bark, leaves and flowers are used to treat coughs, bronchitis, jaundice, and indigestion.
