- Friar (Japanese) Plum : Friar Japanese Plum (Prunus salicina "Friar") refers to a variety of Japanese Plum. The Friar plum is a heavy bearer of large, round dark purple fruit that is resistant to cracking. It also has a sweet, firm, amber flesh. Friar is a good dependable producer, ripening early to mid-season Friar was introduced in California by Dr. Weinberger in 1968.