Eriobotrya japonica, otherwise known as the Loquat tree, is a member of the Rosaceae family along with pears and apples. Loquat trees are wind tolerant and normally pollinated by bees. They grow well in moderately fertile soil but require good drainage. Loquat fruit trees will not do well in standing water; they like to drink and dry as do most fruit trees. Loquat fruits should be allowed to fully ripen before picking. Loquat varieties do not ripen well off of the tree, and are usually quite tart when picked early.
Loquats are very disease resistant and typically are only slightly bothered disease or by Fire Blight. Loquat fruits are very similar to apples in that they are high in sugar, acid, and pectin. They also contain vitamin A and anti-oxidants which nourish the skin and help fight aging. hey are typically eaten as fresh fruit and mix well in fruit salads. Slightly immature fruits are tart and are best used for pies or fruit tarts. They are also used in a wide array of jellies and jams. Loquats can handle temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit but temperatures below 27 degrees will kill the blooms and fruit. The wood of loquat trees has been used in the making of rulers. Our Loquat trees for sale are low maintenance and the only pruning required is to remove dead wood.
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The Loquat is a beautiful evergreen fruit tree native to Asia, often called a Japanese Loquat. It is a small to medium sized tree growing 20 to 30 feet, but often smaller. The long, elliptical, serrated leaves add a tropical look to the garden and the bold textured foliage contrasts well with many other plants, such as palm trees.
The leaves are dark green and glossy on top and hairy on the underside. The flowers are white panicles at the ends of the branches that appear in late Fall or early Winter with a pleasant sweet fragrance. The exotic fruits are oval or pear-shaped and grow in clusters. They are usually 1 to 2 inches long with a downy smooth, yellow or orange, sometimes red blushed skin. The succulent white, yellow, or orange flesh has a sweet-tangy flavor. Some might describe it as a cross between a sweet plum and a kumquat or citrusy flavor. In Asia the fruit is so prized that it is often covered by a protective bag to prevent sunburn and eliminate bird damage. If you live in mild winter areas form Zones 7-10, the Loquat tree will make an attractive and tasty addition to your landscape.