Eriobotrya japonica

Eriobotrya japonica, better known as the Japanese loquat, is a large evergreen bush native to warm temperate regions of Asia, which should not be confused with our common medlar Mespilus germanica, whose fruits are consumed when over-ripe. It has retained from its more exotic origins a 'tropical' charm that is expressed in its large and beautiful shiny leaves, its autumn flowering with the scent of almond and its delicious fruiting, which only survives mild winters. Despite its preference for southern or oceanic regions, the Japanese medlar can withstand mild winters, and it will happily adapt to container cultivation in colder regions. This very beautiful bush has a unique personality, to be highlighted in the garden or on the terrace. 

The Eriobotrya japonica belongs to the rose family, it is a distant relative of cherry trees or roses. Native to the hot mountainous regions of southwest China, the Japanese loquat quickly spread to Japan. It is a small tree that appreciates deep, rich soils, and tolerates the presence of limestone in the soil very well. Once well rooted, it can withstand long dry periods and frosts of around -12°C (10.4 °F). Its flowers and young fruits are destroyed at temperatures lower than -5°C (23 °F).

The loquat has an upright and spreading habit. It forms one or several trunks covered with a brown-grey bark that support a wide, branching, slightly flared crown. Its growth is quite rapid, and at maturity, it will reach an average height of 6m (19 ft 8 in) and a width of 4 to 5m (13 ft 1 in to 16 ft 5 in) under good conditions. Its foliage persists in winter. It consists of large lanceolate leaves, with very visible veins and dentate edges, measuring 15 to 25cm (5.9 to 9.8 in) in length and 5 to 8cm (2 to 3.1 in) in width, with a leathery texture. The upper side is a bright green colour, while the underside is velvety and rust-coloured. The young leaves are covered with a green-grey, almond-coloured fuzz. Flowering takes place in October-November, depending on the climate. For at least 4 weeks, dense and conical clusters of flowers called thyrses, measuring 10 to 15cm (3.9 to 5.9 in) and slightly trailing, open at the terminal ends of the branches. These clusters have a large number of small cream-white flowers, 2cm (0.8 in) in diameter, with 5 petals. In mild and calm weather, this flowering spreads a sweet scent that combines notes of bitter almond and vanilla over several metres. Pollination is ensured by bees, which find a good source of nectar in the flowers. The edible fruit, called a loquat is ovoid in shape and yellow-orange when ripe (in May-June depending on the region). It measures 3cm (1.2 in) in diameter and has a juicy and slightly acidic flesh, very refreshing. Each fruit contains two to three large shiny brown inedible stones. Japanese loquats are consumed fresh, raw, or cooked in compote.

Eriobotrya japonica is a very decorative small tree, to be highlighted in the garden for the beauty of its habit and foliage. It can also be grown in a large container, which will limit its growth and allow gardeners to protect it from severe cold in an unheated and bright location. With a strong personality, this large bush is quite difficult to associate with. For example, you can plant small periwinkles or macrorrhizum perennial geraniums at its base.