Loquat or Japanese medlar
Family Rosaceae
Eriobotrya japonica, the loquat or Japanese medlar (E. japonica 1), is a small tree with alternate narrow dentate leaves, dark green above and woolly beneath; and clusters of white flowers (E. japonica 2) in terminal inflorescences. The fruits are pear-shaped, (E. japonica 3) (E. japonica 4), about 5 cm long, yellow, and with a sweetish-acid flavour resembling the apple.
Distribution
The loquat is a native of China, Japan and North India and has been widely spread in the Mediterranean region.
Use
The fruits are eaten fresh or stewed, and are also made into jams and chutneys. The juice is used fresh or fermented into wine. On the Bermuda’ s the loquat is used for a special liqueur.