Loquat, Japanese Plum Medium-sized tree (Eriobotrya japonica)

Loquat, Japanese Plum Medium-sized tree (Eriobotrya japonica)

This evergreen grows in an upright, rounded form to twenty feet with lush, tropical, leathery, grayish green, textured leaves that turn a bronzy red color. The bottom surface of the leaf is light green and slightly fuzzy. The tree produces clusters of scented, wooly looking, white blossoms in late fall, which attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. In the spring, edible yellowish orange, pearlike, oval fruit appears in clusters. The fruit can be used for jams and preserves and is sweetest when it becomes soft and yellow in color.

The tree requires good drainage and full sun to produce flowers and fruit, and it can handle some filtered sun. It also needs regular irrigation when young, but becomes more drought tolerant as it matures. This tree is very hardy to about twelve degrees Fahrenheit. The Japanese plum is very susceptible to fire blight, a bacterial disease that causes the leaves to look scorched and then die. Remove damaged leaves and stems, and afterwards, sterilize pruning tools.

The tree produces some leaf drop and does require light raking and sweeping of plant litter and debris. Use it as an ornamental tree in the Southwest desert, and plant it in frost-free areas for fruit production. It is a great choice for an accent in patios and courtyards, or for tropical, oriental, or ornamental effects; it boasts lush, bold foliage and an attractive form that adds a nice contrast with other plants. This tree is native to Southeastern China and was introduced and naturalized in Japan and India. This moderate growing tree has also been naturalized in Cyprus, Egypt, and France.

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