Contents
Description
Eriobotrya Cavaleriei, also known as the Chinese loquat, is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to China and grows up to 10 meters in height. The plant has large, glossy, and evergreen leaves, and produces small white flowers in the spring. The fruit of the plant is a large, oval-shaped berry that is yellow or orange in color, and contains 1-10 brown seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Eriobotrya |
Appearance
The Chinese loquat tree has large, glossy, and evergreen leaves that are 10-25 cm long and 5-15 cm wide. The leaves are green on the upper side and have a fuzzy texture on the underside. The plant produces small white flowers that are 1 cm in diameter and are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a large, oval-shaped berry that is yellow or orange in color, and contains 1-10 brown seeds. The fruit is sweet and tangy and is often used in jams, jellies, and pies.
Care Guide
The Chinese loquat tree is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to care for your plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Chinese loquat tree is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Chinese loquat tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by a few common pests and diseases:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves and can cause the leaves to curl and become distorted.
- Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves.
- Fire blight: This bacterial disease can cause the leaves and branches of the plant to wilt and turn black.
Habitat
The Chinese loquat tree is native to southern China and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Japan, Korea, and the United States. It grows in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate a variety of climates, including hot and humid summers and mild winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Chinese loquat tree easy to grow?
A: Yes, the Chinese loquat tree is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and is easy to grow.
Q: Can the fruit of the Chinese loquat tree be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit of the Chinese loquat tree is sweet and tangy and is often used in jams, jellies, and pies.
Q: Is the Chinese loquat tree resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, the Chinese loquat tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can still be affected by a few common pests and diseases.
Q: In what climate does the Chinese loquat tree grow best?
A: The Chinese loquat tree can tolerate a variety of climates, including hot and humid summers and mild winters.
Related Plants
- Eriobotrya japonica
- Eriobotrya deflexa
- Eriobotrya bengalensis
- Eriobotrya elliptica
References
- Bonner, F. T. (2011). The Chinese Loquat Tree. Journal of the American Pomological Society, 65(2), 109-114.
- Chinese Loquat. (n.d.). California Rare Fruit Growers, Inc. Retrieved August 12, 2021, from https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/loquat.html
- Eriobotrya Cavaleriei. (n.d.). Plants of the World Online. Retrieved August 12, 2021, from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:726391-1
