Excerpt from Wikipedia: The loquat is a large evergreen shrub or tree, grown commercially for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make herbal tea. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.
The loquat is in the family Rosaceae, and is native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China. In Japan the loquat is known as biwa and has been grown for over 1,000 years. The loquat has been introduced to regions with subtropical to mild temperate climates throughout the world.
Size: 10 to 33 feet tall.
Uses: Pies, jams, syrups, juices, smoothies, wine, animal feed, medicine.
Companions: Palm, cordyline, bougainvillea, lemon grass, marigolds, lemon balm, garlic, chives, onions.
Habitat: Subtropical to mild temperate climates - food source for squirrels and birds.
Harvest: Early spring to early summer, when fruits are yellow or orange. In some parts of the U.S., loquats will flower in Autumn and fruit in late winter.
Fun Fact: Over 800 Loquat cultivars exist in Asia alone.
Recipe: Loquat custard: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Loquat-Custard-2049678
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