Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Lok what?

Its called Lokwat or Loquat or pi pa ye (China) or formally called Eriobotrya Japonica, a fruit tree belonging to the family Rosaceae, indigenous to southeastern China. I have not seen the flowers or the fruits but I got the plant, given by a good friend who planted it from seeds given by a Chinese friend. Actually I didnt even bother to fertilise it and left it on its own. Surprisingly its grown taller and taller!
my Loquat plant still in its original pot left on its own...


the original shoot was broken by a strong wind and
since then has grown 3 new branches


these are the Loquat flowers which give a heady aroma that can
be smelled from a distance (Wikipedia)


Loquat fruits (Wikipedia)


Loquat fruits are rounded, oval or pear shaped, with orange, yellow or red colour skin which can be peeled manually when ripe...the flesh is white, yellow or orange, succulent, tangy and sweet just like its distant relative the apple..with a high sugar, acid and pectin content. Can be eaten as fresh fruits, mix with other fruits in fruit salads or can be made into jelly, jam, chutney or light wine. Loquat fruits are also made into syrup in Chinese medicines just like a cough drop. The fruits if eaten in quantity have a gentle sedative effect which can last around 24 hours. It seems the seeds (pips) and the young shoots are poisonous which have some chemicals that release low content of cynide but because of its low content and its bitter taste, normally prevent us from consuming it so not enough to cause any harm.


Loquat tree with lots of fruits (Wikipedia)....cant wait for my own
Loquat to flower and bear fruits!




Now that I know what Loquat fruit looks like, I must give a lot more attention to my own Loquat plant so that it will bear lots of flowers and fruits. Thank you my friend Prof Abdul Wahab Arbain for giving me that plant.

18 comments:

Autumn Belle said...

There is a loquat tree at The Secret Garden of 1U but I haven't seen the flowers and fruits yet. I wonder how long it takes for the plant to mature and start fruiting.

rainfield61 said...

The flowers look like those of durian trees.

One said...

Soon you will enjoy loquat fruits. I think many seeds contains cyanide which is poisonous but a little may actually prevent cancer. Some people purposely buy specific type of seeds to consume for cancer prevention. Of course, the type of seeds and quantity is important. Otherwise it may cause more harm than good.

Stephanie said...

It's amazing to see you planting loquat! Also, I don't recall consuming one. Happy taking care of this precious little tree :-D

Makarimi Abdullah said...

Nice plant...never seen this plant before...only the fruit i have seen. Thanks for the great post.

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

it should be a treasure keeping a plant not many people have in their garden..

takaeko said...

You raise loquat? Fruits of loquat is very delicious and sweet!
We call it "Biwa" in Japan and it is very popular fruits in my country.

Malar said...

You have Loquat in your garden? I didn't know that it can be grown in Malaysia! That's great! Please update us once it start flowering!

p3chandan said...

Autumn Belle...I also have no idea how long it takes for Loquat to bear fruits esp mine cos Ive been neglecting it far too long!I must pay a visit to the Secret Garden cos Ive heard so much abt the plants and trees there.

Rainfield61..yes the flowers do look the same as durian flowers but durian flowers dont have the heady aroma like loquat flowers I think.


Really One? A bit of cynide can prevent cancer? Do you know any seeds that have that quality?



Stephanie...thanks, hope it will thrive and bear fruits for me to share with everyone here..


Orchid de dangau...you have seen the fruits sold here? I havent seen the fruits yet. Thanks for dropping by my small garden.


Bangchik...Im thankful to my good friend for giving me this plant, hope it will bear fruits and have many seeds to be shared with all bloggers here, Insyaallah..


Takaeko...wow Im lucky to have that Biwa plant isnt it? Hope Im lucky enough to taste its fruits too!


Malar...its my good friend who might have done stratification of the seeds so that they can be grown in our local climate, the same for the grapes, apples, pear and kiwi fruits.

Bom @ www.plantchaser.com said...

Good luck with your loquat tree. I hope it bears fruits for you soon. -- Bom @ http://www.plantchaser.com

p3chandan said...

www..yes hopefully it will bear lots of fruits! Thanks for dropping by my small garden and left a comment on my blog

fer said...

Hope your loquat grows well. I havent eaten this fruit yet, it looks very fresh

James David said...

Im very sure the plant got a good space and soil to grow better. In time, Im sure you will be enjoying the fruits.

p3chandan said...

Hi fer, thanks for dropping by my small garden..Takaeko said the fruits are called Biwa and very popular in your country.Yes Im keeping my fingers cross and of cos fertilising it so that it will bear fruits soon.


James, have to take the plant out from its pot so that the roots will have more space to grow and bear fruits...hopefully..

Les said...

We grow these here as well, but mainly as an fragrant ornamental. They are in full bloom right now, just as winter approaches. It freezes here, but not usually for long periods, but it is enough that Loquats rarely set fruit for us. This is a shame because they are delicious. Thanks for stopping by my blog recently.

p3chandan said...

Yes Les I saw your photo of Loguat flowers blooming in your blog. I think my Loguat is a long way to go to reach that stage, I cant wait to smell the fragrance flowers!

Sunray Gardens said...

Have not heard of this one before. Good luck.

Cher
Goldenray Yorkies

Anonymous said...

Hi, I have loquat plant started from seed given by a friend. Has you loquat tree every bear fruits? Thanks.