Loquat Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small evergreen tree or large shrub. BARK Grey-buff. BRANCHES Thick, with hairy twigs. LEAVES To 25cm long, elliptical, toothed with distinct veins; leathery, glossy-green above, downy reddish-brown below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers white, to 1cm across, in branched, downy terminal spikes. Fruits rounded, yellow, fleshy, to 6cm long. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of China, introduced here for ornament but not hardy.