Eriobotrya japonica

The loquat, scientifically known as the Eriobotrya japonica, belongs to the family Rosaceae and is native to south-central China.  The large evergreen shrub can grow into a woody flowering tree in its mature stages of life, and is commonly commercially grown for its small yellow fruit.  Not only can the loquat fruit can be enjoyed as a wine, through fermentation, the leaves of the Loquat can also be used for herbal teas.  Along with its commercial value, the loquat is also prized for its ornamental value.  Native to the cool hill regions of South-central China, the loquat plant produces clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers, that eventually turn into the delicious sweet loquat fruit, in the wintertime.  As the flowers bloom in fall or early winter, the plum sized fruits may ripen at any time, and are best consumed when the fruit is soft orange.  Described as citrus, peach, and wild mango, the fruit of the loquat tree give this plant quite a delicious value.

Though the loquat plant is easy to grow, maintaining an optimal environment is necessary for the plant to have a high yield of the plum sized fruit.  Some factors to consider when planting and growing a loquat tree, are nutrition, proper water management and weed control.  When first planting your loquat tree, it is best to not use any fertilizers to start out with and It is best to grow this plant in a lawn or yard that does not contain weed killers.  Three fertilizations a year is a good way to maintain healthy conditions for your plant, as well as making sure this plant is well protected from the wind, as it is a shallow rooted tree.  A temperature higher than 32°F / 0°C must be kept to promote the flowering and young fruiting stage of this plant.  



3-6 hours of sun per day, with protection from intense mid-day sun

Water moderately, allowing the top 3cm to dry out between watering.

Eriobotrya Japonica

Eriobotrya japonica

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