How to Manage Pests

Loquat—Eriobotrya japonica
Family Rosaceae (Rose family)

Plant Identification

Loquats are evergreen trees or shrubs that are attractive to birds.  Leaves are toothed with large, prominent veins.  Small white flowers are produced in clusters followed by orange or yellow fruit.  E. japonica produces edible fruit.  Not all Eriobotrya spp. do.   

Optimum conditions for growth

Loquats make good container plants or they can be trained to a fence or trellis.  Plant in well-drained soils.  Loquats do best in areas with full sun or partial shade.  Provide moderate to regular amounts of water.  For fruiting varieties, thin branches out to let light into the tree’s interior.  For heavy fruit producers, remove fruit often to let remaining fruit increase in size and to keep limbs from breaking.

Foliage of bronze loquat