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Index : Trees
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- 14. Loquat - Top
The loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is what I would refer to as a multi-purpose tree. On the one hand it is a very attractive landscape tree, with dense evergreen foliage that offers both beauty and shade. On the other hand, it is a desirable fruit tree that produces tasty, somewhat tart, somewhat sweet, apricot-colored fruit.
Loquat trees flower October through February, producing very fragrant blossoms, borne in panicles at the ends of the branches. Mature loquat trees can withstand temperatures of 10 degrees F. without serious damage. However, flowers and fruit are killed by temperatures below 27 degrees F., making them a reliable bearer only in the warmer locations around Tucson.
Fruit of the loquat are produced in clusters of 3 to 10 fruit per cluster. They are orange-yellow, somewhat fuzzy, containing one or several large brown seed. Fruit are oval, one to two inches long, with a sweet, rich, aromatic flavor. They ripen on the tree from February to April and are ready for picking when the skin turns yellow and are soft to the touch. Fruit can be eaten right off the tree or made into jam, jelly and marmalade.
Fruit quality will vary from tree to tree unless grafted varieties are selected. The best grafted variety for the desert is ‘Champagne'. It's fruit is yellow-skinned with white-fleshed, somewhat tart, and very good. Another variety ‘Gold Nugget' has deep orange fruit that are slightly acid to sweet.
Loquat make very attractive ornamental trees. They have thick, upright branches and a very regular rounded form. Of special note are the large, coarse textured leaves. They are eight to twelve inches long, hairy when young, becoming smooth, leathery and dark gray-green when mature. The dense evergreen foliage provides pleasant shade for patios and along the south and west sides of the home. Trees mature to a height of 20 feet, making them ideal for landscapes with limited space.
Like all trees, loquat need frequent watering during the first few months after planting. But once established they have good drought tolerant. Only occasional watering is needed to keep them attractive. Regular watering, however, is necessary to produce good fruit.
To encourage good fruit development on loquat, it is also necessary to occasionally prune out some branches throughout the canopy of the tree. This thinning will open the tree up to allow light in and increase fruit production. Loquat should be pruned after danger of frost has past but prior to spring bud-break. Here in Tucson that's the later part of March.
Thinning of fruit is another way to increase loquat fruit quality and size. After the fruit have formed and are about pea-size, remove half of the fruits per cluster.
Loquat is in the rosaceae family and as such is related to plants such as pyracantha, apricot and plum. And like their relatives, loquat are susceptible to a bacterial disease known as ‘fireblight'. The name comes from the fact that diseased stems and branches appear as if scorched by fire. Branches will turn black or brown on the ends and leaves will dry out and hang on the dead branches. If fireblight infection occurs, diseased branches should be pruned off a foot below the infected portion. The diseased wood should be disposed of by placing it in a plastic trash bag and sealing the bag. Between each cut, the pruning tool should be sterilized with a 10% chlorox bleach solution. Although fireblight can occur on loquat, it is not commonly a problem.
I think you'll find that loquat is a tree well worth considering for use in the home landscape. The fruit provides added attraction, and a taste you might well enjoy.
Answers to gardening questions may be obtained by phoning the Extension Center Plant Clinic, weekdays for 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 626-5161.
- Updated: October 24, 1999
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