The loquat, an ancient fruit grown in Japan for the past 1,000 years, is probably native to the cooler hill regions of China. For many years, loquats have been grown as ornamentals in California, especiallly along the southern coastal plains. They do well in a wide variety of soils and climates but are not grown commercially in California.

Loquats are normally bushy, rather dense trees. Their broad, leathery, dark-green leaves are often used in floral arrangements. Easily grown, attractive trees in the garden, they blossom and set fruit from October to February. Selected varieties produce clusters of excellent yellow fruit that mature in the spring and early summer.

Ralph G. LaRue, UC Farm Advisor, Los Angeles Co.