Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica

Origin South-central China

Edibility Loquats are small fruits that are yellowish orange when ripe and have a flavor similar to apricot. They are eaten skin and all with only the central seeds being inedible. Loquats can be used to make jam, chutney, or pies.

Characteristics Loquats are fast-growing trees that reach a height of about thirty feet. They are very tolerant of cold weather but late winter freezes will kill the fruit and flowers. In South Florida loquats bloom in the late fall or early winter and the fruit mature in Spring.