Loquat – 2 Seeds

Loquat Tree (Eriobotrya japonica) is a large evergreen shrub or tree grown commercially for its orange fruit. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and can be successfully grown in containers. The loquat is in the family Rosaceae and can grow up to 10m in height, but often only reaches a height of 3 to 4m. The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–25cm long, dark green, tough and leathery in texture, with a serrated margin.

Flowering takes place in autumn or early winter, and the fruits ripen from early spring to early summer. The flowers are 2 cm in diameter, white, with five petals, and produced in stiff panicles of three to ten flowers. The flowers have a sweet aroma. The flowers are followed by clusters of fruit which are oval, rounded or pear-shaped, 3–5 cm long, with a smooth or downy, yellow or orange, sometimes red-blushed skin. The succulent, tangy flesh is white, yellow, or orange and sweet to sub-acid or acid.

Common Names: Japanese medlar, Japanese plum, Lukwart and Japanese mispel.

Please Note: The plant is listed in category 1b for the Western Cape and the Forest Biome areas, so the seed cannot be planted there. It is not listed for urban areas of the Western Cape and for any other parts of the country. The loquat is not listed if the fruit is used for human consumption.

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Culinary uses of the fruit

• Eaten fresh: The fruit can be enjoyed raw, either whole (avoiding the seeds) or cut open to remove the seeds before eating.
• Sweet applications: Loquats are used to make jams, jellies, syrups,sweets and conserves. They can also be cooked into pies, tarts, and compotes, or used in fruit salads.
• Savory applications: The fruit’s flavor pairs well with savory dishes and can be made into salsas, glazes, or chutneys.
• Beverages: The fruit can be fermented into a light wine or used to make liqueurs.
• Coffee substitute: The roasted seeds can be used to create a coffee substitute.
• Flavoring: The seed can be used as an almond-like flavoring in drinks and cakes.

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Growing Loquat Tree

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Early Spring

Direct Sowing: Late Winter

• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Then fill a pot with a mixture of potting soil and coconut coir.
• Plant the seeds and water well.
• Optimal germination temperature is about 21 degrees celsius.
• Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which can take about 4 to 6 months.
• Transplant the seedlings once big enough and water regularly until at it is least 6 months old.
• Prefers full sun, but can also be grown in partial shade.
• It is drought-tolerant tree, but will be more productive when it gets regular water.
• Can be grown in big containers.
• Trees grown from seed can take between 5 – 10 years, before they will produce fruit.