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The Loquats
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The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), sometimes known as the Japanese medlar, nispero or nespola, is a member of the Roseaceae (Rose family), which also contains many of our temperate fruits, including apple, pear, peach, plum, strawberry and raspberry. Native to China, the loquat is one of the few sub-tropical fruits in the family. For over a thousand years it has been cultivated in Japan, currently the major producer. It is a suitable crop for the sub-tropics and is grown in many countries ranging from India to the USA (California and Florida) and from Australia to the Mediterranean region.
What does it look like?
The loquat tree is a handsome evergreen, up to 10 m in height, with an oval or round crown. It has large leaves, usually 15 to 30 cm in length, with conspicuous veins and roughly-toothed margins. The upper surface of the leaf is glossy and dark green whilst the lower is brown ad woolly as are the new twigs. the ends of the bracnhes, the fragrant white flowers are borne in pyramidal clusters (panicles). Somewhat similar in appearance to the related apricot, the orange or yellow fruits are oval or pear-shaped, up to 4 cm in length and usually have a downy surface. Inside, the pulp is firm and juicy with a slightly acidic or sweet flavour, depending on the ripeness of the fruit, and may be white, yellow or orange in colour. Each fruit usually contains between three and five inedible, brown seeds.
How is the fruit used?
After peeling, the fruit may be eaten fresh or cooked. Adding a few seeds to the fruit during cooking gives an almondy flavour but they should be removed before eating. Loquats can also be presered in a spiced vinegar, made into jams and jellies or used as a flavouring for spirits, in the same way as sloes (eg sloe gin).
Can loquats begrown in this country?
Loquats were introduced into Britain by Sir Joseph Banks, with the first specimen being grown at Kew. Although it is generally not considered to be hardy and has consequently not been cultivated, the loquat can make a very handsome ornamental evergreen if grown in a sheltered spot or conservatory. The loquat will tolerate a wide range of soil types as long as the drainage is good. Because the flower buds and fruit are very susceptible to frost, the loquat does not often flower and only rarely produces fruit in this country. If flowers are produced, these will open in autumn.
Where are loquats grown at Kew?
For many years a loquat was grown against the south-facing wall of the Duke's Garden at Kew; one is now grown in the Economic Section of the Temperate House.
Additional sources of information
Beckett, K. A., 1987. The RHS Encyclopaedia of House Plants, Century Hutchison
Morton, Julia F, 1987. Fruits of Warm Climates, Julia F Morton
Popenoe, W, 1974. Manual of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, reprinted Hafner Press
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