Loquat
- (Japanese Plum, Japanese Medlar, Pipa) Eriobotrya japonica- Members of the Rose family,
Rosaceae, Eriobotryaa are highly prized for itsr lucious fruits.
They are tender evergreens attaining a height of about 20ft, having
long leaves (about 9in long) green above and greyish green below.
Flowers are small, white and borne in clusters in the fall and are
followed by small oval orange yellow fruits. The plant is a
native of
China and Japan, though it is now grown throughout the world in warm
climates and is of commercial importance. Fruits ripen in the
winter or late fall and contain 2-4
large brown seeds. The trees are easily grown from seed.Eriobotryas prefer a light loamy soil, but are suitable on a variety of soil types. Trees grown outdoors should be planted at a spacing of 25ft each way. Seedling varieties are often used as scions for grafting hybridized types. They may also be grown in nursery containers in a greehouse or other light warm place where the temperature does not fall below 55F. Nursery grown specimens require a deep rich moist, but well drained soil and should receive weekly applications of fertilizer from spring through fall. Light misting is also recommended. Any repotting should be done in late winter.
Trees may be propagated by sowing seed or by taking softwood cuttings in the spring or fall. Seeds should be sown as soon as ripe. Stored seed is be germinated by soaking for 24 hours in warm water, then cold stratifying for 30 days prior to planting.
The fruits are eaten out of hand or are used to make jellies, jams, preserves, pies and an aromatic wine. They are used in Mexico in rites on the Day of the Dead and are called nisperos.
Perfume is made from the blooms.
Medicinally, the fruit is used to make cough syrup, and to treat skin disorders. A paste made from the leaves is used to treat stomach and respiratory problems and as a counter to alcohol hangover. The fruits also have a sedative affect
