upepo
Elder Lister
Loquat
Scientific Names: Eriobotrya japonica
COMMON NAMES: English: Loquat;
Kamba: Kitunda/Kitula; Kikuyu: Minoria, Mbera, Muburuti; Kisii: Ekeragwati; Luhya: Chinduli/Riparapandi/Emisabibi; Luo: Blanguet/Musabibu; Taita: Chikoti; Embu: Macuca
Eriobotrya japonica is an evergreen shrub/ small tree with a dense, rounded crown; it can grow 5 - 10 metres tall. It has a straight, low-branched bole up to 1 metre long
The fruits are popular in China and Japan, where the plant is often cultivated.
Now doing well in the Kenya highlands, 1,500-2,400 m. It is a common tree in Central and Western Provinces. Drought resistant once established, but prefers moderate to heavy rainfall.
CULTIVATION
While the loquat is commonly grown from seeds, commercial plantings are usually based on grafted trees of superior varieties. The tree is propagated by shield budding and cleft grafting; loquat seedlings or quince rootstocks grown from cuttings can be used, the latter if a dwarf tree is desired. They grow well on various soils, from sandy loams to clays, and come into bearing at three or four years of age. The trees are resistant to most diseases and insect pests, though the flowers are somewhat susceptible to fire blight.
USES
Loquats are delicious fruits that offer a variety of health benefits.
They’re low in calories but boast plenty of vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory plant compounds.
Some research suggests that they may safeguard against certain conditions, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as reduce blood sugar, triglyceride, and insulin levels. You can also blend the fruit and ferment the resulting juice to produce a better juice that will make you forget your troubles.
