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Description
Eriobotrya Japonica, commonly known as the Loquat Tree, is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This tree is native to southeastern China and has been cultivated for its fruit in Japan for over a thousand years. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a rounded shape with a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are large, glossy, and dark green with a leathery texture. The tree produces small white flowers in the fall or early winter, which are followed by yellow or orange-colored fruit that is sweet and tangy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Eriobotrya |
Appearance
The Eriobotrya Japonica tree is a small evergreen tree with a rounded shape and dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are large, glossy, and dark green with a leathery texture. The tree produces small white flowers in the fall or early winter, which are followed by yellow or orange-colored fruit that is sweet and tangy. The fruit is about the size of a small plum and has a smooth or slightly fuzzy skin.
Care Guide
To care for the Eriobotrya Japonica tree, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. The tree prefers well-drained soil and regular watering during the growing season. It should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Eriobotrya Japonica tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, spider mites, and root rot. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the tree healthy through proper watering and fertilization. If pests or diseases do occur, they can be treated with insecticides or fungicides.
Habitat
The Eriobotrya Japonica tree is native to southeastern China and has been cultivated for its fruit in Japan for over a thousand years. It is now grown in many other parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Australia. The tree prefers a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can you eat the fruit of the Eriobotrya Japonica tree?
A: Yes, the fruit of the Eriobotrya Japonica tree is edible and has a sweet and tangy flavor.
Q: How often should I water my Eriobotrya Japonica tree?
A: The tree prefers regular watering during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Eriobotrya Japonica tree?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Q: How tall can the Eriobotrya Japonica tree grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall.
Related Plants
- Malus Domestica (Apple Tree)
- Prunus Persica (Peach Tree)
- Pyrus Communis (Pear Tree)
References
- “Loquat.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287529. Accessed 22 July 2021.
- “Eriobotrya Japonica.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/9757/Eriobotrya-japonica/Details. Accessed 22 July 2021.
- “Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica).” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/MG/MG36800.pdf. Accessed 22 July 2021.
