plum
李 centers on the plum fruit, specifically the Japanese plum (Prunus salicina). It refers to the tree and its fruit.
李 combines 木 (tree) and 子 (child), likely suggesting a fruit-bearing tree. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is traditionally associated with the plum tree.
A tree (木) with a child (子) hanging from its branches: imagine a plum tree so laden with fruit that the plums look like little children clinging to the branches.
For リ, picture a plum tree with a single ripe plum that looks like the letter 'D' (but pronounced 'lee'): Lee -> リ. The plum is so juicy you want to 'reap' it, but just remember 'Lee' the plum.
Japanese plum (Prunus salicina); Chinese plum
peach and plum
wicker trunk; wicker luggage
blackthorn (Prunus spinosa); sloe
common European plum
prune
the common run of men; the average Joe; good-for-nothing (person)
underneath a Japanese plum tree
leave no room for scandal; don't do anything that can be misinterpreted; don't straighten your cap under a plum tree (because when you raise your hands it might look as if you're trying to steal the plums)
be careful not to invite the least suspicion; leave no room for scandal
Joseon dynasty (Korea, 1392-1910); Yi dynasty
Joseon dynasty (of Korea; 1392-1910); Yi dynasty
plum blossoms
wicker trunk
a man of virtue will naturally attract admirers; good wine speaks for itself
gathering of excellent and capable people
be careful not to invite the least suspicion; leave no room for scandal
Prunus cerasifera var. atropurpurea; pissard plum
Salix koriyanagi (species of willow)