DESCRIPTION
Evergreen tree with golden-yellow fruit. Tough, dark green leaves. Flowers are white.
Grows 2-6 metres.
PLANTING
Plant during rainy season. Seeds will keep for 6 months.
GROWING CONDITIONS
Grow in subtropical to mild-temperate climate. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Full to partial sun. Dry tolerant. Light to moderate frost tolerant.
GROWING HINTS
Prune after harvest. Protect from strong winds. Grow on slope to promote good airflow. Trees have shallow roots – take care not to disturb.
Regular, light applications of nitrogen.
HARVEST
Around 90 days after flowers fully open. Fruit grows in clusters of 3 or more. Harvest in late winter to early spring. Fruit will keep for 10 days.
USES
Fruit can be stewed, preserved or dried.
Soothes the digestive and respiratory systems.
Fruit may act as a sedative or eaten to halt vomiting and thirst.
Flowers may have expectorant properties.
Infusion of leaves may relieve diarrhea, depression.
Leaf poultices put on swellings.
NUTRITION
Food Value Per Loquat (raw and peeled) | |
Calories | 3 |
Protein | 0.1 g |
Fat | 0 g |
Carbohydrates | 0.6 g |
Fibre | 0.2 |
Calcium | 2 mg |
Phosphorus | 12.6 mg |
Sodium | 0 mg |
Iron | 0.1 mg |
Potassium | 158 mg |
Vitamin A | 67 ug |
Vitamin B6 | .1 |
Ascorbic Acid | 1 mg |
Plant beside magnolias for contrast. Loquats also look good when grown with callistemons.
PESTS
Fruit flies. Birds. Fruit bats. One solution is to place a paper bag over the fruit cluster.
