The Loquat Tree

Loquats (Erobotyra japonica) are documented to have been grown in Japan around 1100. Some botanists have suggested that the first plantings of the loquat trees may have originally come from China and were later introduced into Japan. The loquat tree was widely distributed in Europe after 1712, but early records show that it came to the United States in the mid-1800's. This prolific plant is now established firmly as a seed-borne naturalized fruit tree in hundreds of countries, even in the Southern United States where it readily grows after the seeds sprout from bird-planted visitations after eating the loquat fruit directly from the trees. The art underneath the image of my loquat tree is entitled Loquats and a Mountain Bird, and was painted by an anonymous Chinese artist of the Southern Ming Dynasty (1127-1279).

My loquat tree, pictured above with new spring growth, is about to enter its third growing season here in USDA Zone 7b. It's technically not hardy here, but I haven't told it that yet. It's more than tripled its planting size, and its leaves remain evergreen year-round. It typically doesn't flower or set fruit in North Carolina, but that's fine; it's a beautiful ornamental.

The loquat was at home in the gardens of Colonial Williamsburg, appearing on the list of historic plants grown there. Loquats are also popular in the historic gardens of Charleston; I saw several specimens last summer that were as large as magnolias! Wow!

The leaves of a mature loquat tree vary considerably in size, usually ranging from six to twelve inches in length and the dark-green waxy leaves are prominently bisected with recessed leaf veins. In the fall around Thanksgiving, the loquat tree loads itself with clusters of one inch white flowers, which are extremely fragrant and especially pleasing when trees are planted near patio entertainment centers. The loquat fruit can begin to ripen in South Georgia as early as February and March and in an extended ripening period, depending on the weather, the loquat may continue to ripen into June. The loquat has been designated on some websites as only capable of producing fruit in areas south of Jacksonville, Florida, but this is incorrect. Loquats produce fruit reliably every year throughout Southern Georgia and coastal areas up to North Carolina. The loquat trees have survived low temperatures of zero degrees Fahrenheit in Georgia, and have returned to fruit later. The roots of a loquat tree are shallow and the soft tissue grows rapidly to establish a vigorous system.