Rosaceae Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
Loquat trees are evergreen, rounded in form, up to 25 feet high. Dark green leaves are up to a foot long. Trees will stand winter temperatures down to about 12°F. Flowers open and set fruit in autumn, and if temperatures reach 25°F. or lower in winter, fruit crop will be lost. Flowers and fruits are produced on large panicles. Individual fruits are pyriform or oval, 1.5 to near 3 inches long, and covered with a tough, pubescent skin which separates readily from the pulp when ripe. The fruit is a pome, like apple and pear, generally with 3 to 5 seeds, and with the calyx persistent. Flesh is firm and creamy, mild, sub-acid in flavor.
Production in U.S.: About 10 tons commercial.
Use: Fresh and culinary.
Part of fruit consumed: Inner pulp only.