Species of small, deciduous, fruit-bearing tree that originated in China but is now cultivated throughout the temperate regions of the world. The scientific name includes a reference to Armenia, where it has been cultivated since ancient times. The common name is derived from an Arabic word, dating to the Moorish occupation of Spain. The tree has also been cultivated in Persia and Egypt since ancient times. Seeds or kernels of the apricot may be substituted for almonds; the oil pressed from these kernels is called "oil of almond"; the Italian liqueur amaretto and amaretti biscotti are flavored with extract of apricot kernels rather than almonds. In Europe, apricots were long considered an aphrodisiac, as mentioned by Shakespeare. A clear, water soluble gum exudes from open cuts in the bark; the gum contains arabinose, galactose, mannose, and glucuronic acid. In modern agriculture, apricot cultivars are usually grafted on plum or peach rootstocks.
