Eriobotrya japonica

loquatfull
(Photo by Asia Comer)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Rosaceae
Common name: Japanese plum, Loquat

General Information (1,3,4)

Region of Origin: China and Japan
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Growth Habit: Tree

  • Size: 20-30 feet
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Flowering: Late Fall
  • Fruiting: Spring-Summer

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (2)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Other: 6-9 inches long, toothed, wrinkled, tomentose underside

loquatleaf
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Stem/Bark (2)

  • Color: Grayish
  • Texture: Pubescent

loquatbark
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Flower (2)

  • Perfect/Imperfect: Perfect
  • Color: White
  • Size: 0.5-0.75 inch
  • Inflorescence type: Terminal panicle

Fruit (2)

  • Fruit type: Pome
  • Size: 1-1.75 inch
  • Color: Yellow

loquatfruit
(Photo by Asia Comer)

Horticultural Information (1,3,4)

  • Light: Full sun
  • Moisture: Adequate
  • Maintenance: Easy to care for
  • Landscape Uses: Ornamental, shade tree
  • Other: Avoid cold temperatures

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Loquat fruit is a tasty treat that can be enjoyed fresh, dried or in jams and preserves

References

1) Crane, J. (2012). Loquat growing in the florida home landscape. Manuscript submitted for publication, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences , University of Florida, Retrieved from http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg050
2) Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. (5th ed., pp. 208-211). Champaign, Illinois: Stipes Publishing L.L.C.
3) Scheper, J. (n.d.). Eriobotrya japonica. Retrieved from http://www.floridata.com/ref/E/eriobot.cfm
4) United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. Loquat. Retrieved from website: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=erja3

Prepared by Asia Comer as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek