Loquat

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Loquat

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) (/loʊˈkwɑːt/), also known as Japanese medlar, Japanese plum, or Chinese plum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Rosaceae, native to the cooler hill regions of China to south-central China.

Etymology

The term "loquat" derives from lou4 gwat1, the Cantonese pronunciation of its old Chinese name (simplified Chinese: 枇杷; traditional Chinese: 枇杷; pinyin: pípa). The name in Chinese means "reed orange", referring to the shape of the loquat fruit.

Description

The loquat is an evergreen tree or shrub with a rounded crown, short trunk and woolly new twigs. The tree can grow to 5–10 meters tall, but is often smaller, about 3–4 meters. The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–25 cm long, dark green, tough and leathery in texture, with a serrated margin, and densely velvety-hairy below with thick yellow-brown pubescence.

Cultivation and uses

The loquat is easy to grow in subtropical to mild temperate climates where it is often primarily grown as an ornamental plant, and secondarily for its fruit. The fruit is the sweetest when soft and orange. The flavor is a mix of peach, citrus and mild mango.

Related terms

  • Rosaceae: The family of plants to which the loquat belongs.
  • Evergreen: A type of plant that retains green leaves throughout the year.
  • Subtropical: A geographical and climate zone located immediately north or south of the tropical zone.
  • Temperate: A region or climate characterized by mild temperatures.

External links

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