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Plough
Field Allotments at Amerton
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By Mrs FM
Hartley.
Unusual
& Old
Fashioned Fruit
Trees.
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Edible Plants.
Environmental
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Alan J Hartley
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Tree Project.
Loquat – Eriobotrya Japonica.
This smallish tree, or large bush is a native of China and as such
sometimes goes under the name of the Chinese Peach. Also called the
Japanese Medlar, because its glossy green leaves are very similar to
those of our Medlar although much bigger and evergreen, the Loquat is
quite hardy in Great Britain. Indeed my Mother had a mature specimen
grown from a stone that is about 15 years old and that flowered at about
12 years. Occasionally in Winter an odd leaf or new shoot may be burnt
by a hard frost, but if trimmed off will not cause any detrimental
effects.
Loquats are widely grown in Southern Europe both for their fruit and as
ornamental trees, due in part to the spectacular size of leaves that can
be a foot long on large trees, and also due to their fragrant flowers
produced from November through to April. Indeed their heady scent is
most welcome in the otherwise dull English garden on a Winter’s evening.
After flowering, a peach coloured fruit is produced about the size of an
elongated plum. The juicy flesh of the Loquat is a little tart rather
than sweet and fruit is best served poached. When cooked and the skin is
removed, they are very similar in texture and colour to the Apricot.
Normally Loquat fruits bought from shops have two or three large stones
inside that should grow if planted, although some garden centres are now
starting to sell pot grown plants, but these can be very expensive.
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