Eriobotrya japonica

Eriobotrya japonica, commonly known as the Loquat, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to south-central China. It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree, grown commercially for its yellow fruit, and also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Etymology

The name Eriobotrya japonica is derived from the Greek words 'erion' meaning wool, and 'botrys' meaning cluster, referring to the woolly appearance of the fruit clusters. Despite its specific epithet 'japonica', it is not native to Japan, but was first described from specimens collected there.

Description

Eriobotrya japonica is an evergreen large shrub or small tree, with a rounded crown, short trunk and woolly new twigs. The tree can grow to 5–10 metres (16–33 ft) tall, but is often smaller, about 3–4 metres (10–13 ft). The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–25 centimetres (4–10 in) long, dark green, tough and leathery in texture, with a serrated margin, and densely velvety-hairy below with thick yellow-brown pubescence; the young leaves are also densely pubescent above, but this soon rubs off.

Cultivation

Loquat is easy to grow in subtropical to mild temperate climates where it is often primarily grown as an ornamental plant, especially for its sweet-scented flowers. The fruit is the sweetest when soft and orange. The flavor is a mix of peach, citrus and mild mango.

Uses

The loquat is a fruit tree for south Florida and is often used in landscaping. The fruit is eaten fresh and is also used in making jellies, jams, and beverages. Not only is the loquat fruit delicious, but the tree itself is ornamental, with glossy foliage and a compact shape.

See also

• List of culinary fruits
• List of plants of Cerrado vegetation of Brazil