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loquat

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Loquat_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

loquat

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.

Family

Rosaceae

Spanish Name

níspero

Species Description

Upright, erect evergreen tree, leaves alternate, simple, coarsely dentate. Upper surface of leaf is shiny, while the lower surface is covered in fine, soft hairs. Numerous small, white flowers are borne on terminal panicles. Fruit obovoid to globe-shaped, white to yellow, succulent, fleshy, with one to eight smooth, large seeds inside.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Native to China; spread to Japan over 2000 years ago, and some primitive types occur in Japan.

Natural Habitat

The loquat is adapted to a subtropical to mild-temperature climate. Where the climate is too cool or excessively warm and moist, the tree is grown as an ornamental but will not bear fruit.

Cultural-Historic Notes

Indigenous to southern China and possibly Japan. Cultivated in Japan for 1000 years. Loquat has become naturalized in India and many other areas. Chinese immigrants are presumed to have carried the loquat to Hawaii. It was common as a small-fruited ornamental in California in the 1870's, and the improved variety, Giant, was being sold there by 1887. Japan is the leading producer of loquats, followed by Israel and Brazil.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Evergreen

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

15-20 feet

Tree Height

20-30 feet

Lifespan

100+ years

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

2-3 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Well established trees can take a temperature drop to 12 degrees F. The killing temperature for the flower bud is about 19 degrees F, and for the mature flower about 26 degrees F.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Loquats are wind tolerant and grow best in full sun, but also do well in partial shade. Extreme summer heat is also detrimental to the crop, and dry, hot winds may cause leaf scorch.

Elevation Range

3000-7000 ft in China where native.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

Medium: 20-35 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Irrigate throughout the year

CARE

Pollination

Pollinated by bees. Some are self pollinated, some require cross pollination.

Soils

Loquat grows in a variety of soils, from light sand to heavy clay. The trees need good drainage.

Propagation

Seedlings are used for ornamentals and rootstock. Can be grafted onto apples, pears and quinces.

Pest & Disease Control

Loquats are resistant to most diseases and insect damage. Trees sometimes susceptible to scale, insects, fruit flies ad birds. Fruit may be bagged to prevent damage. Although fireblight often attacts the flower clusters, it seldom kills the entire tree. To control fireblight, immediately prune out dead or dying twigs, fruit and flower clusters. Cut well into the live wood. Burn the pruned branches and disinfect the pruning tools.

Pruning Notes

Prune only enough to shape the tree to fit into your landscape. Remove deadwood at any time.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Loquat fruits should be allowed to ripen fully before harvesting. When ripe, the fruit develops a distinctive color, depending on the cultivar, and begins to soften. The fruits are eaten fresh and used to make jam, jelly and chutney, and are delicious poached in light syrup.

Harvest Months

March
April
May

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.