Evergreen tree flowers in autumn, winter

The loquat, Eriobotrya japonica, is an evergreen tree which is native to south central China.It is known widely for its commercially grown fruit, also called loquat. It’s leaves are harvested and dried to make herbal tea. This tea is described as sweet with earthy notes and reputed to have medicinal benefits.

Loquat trees prefer to grow in full sun and need protection from strong winds. They also like a well-draining soil which is rich in organic matter. While it’s unlikely to bear fruit where temperatures are regularly below 0degC, loquats will survive for short periods at temperatures as low as -12degC.

It very rarely fruits in Dunedin unless perhaps grown in a favourable microclimate, but if you have the space it is still a very interesting tree to grow.

Flowers appear in late autumn through to early winter, forming at the tips of new growth. They are about two centimetres in diameter with 5 petals per flower, are white in colour and emit a sweet scent.

The specimen at the Dunedin Botanic Garden is about 4m tall and is in full flower in the upper garden’s North Asian plant collection. Of note, we are not the only ones to enjoy this tree. Tui, bellbirds, wax-eyes, bees and other creatures take full advantage of this source of nectar and pollen at a time of year when it is not in great abundance, which is another good reason to grow this plant.

Garden Life is produced by the Dunedin Botanic Garden.

For further information contact Zane Gray.