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Season: January to April. Small, well-shaped tree. Large 12 long, stiff leaves, dark green above, whitish underneath. Yellow to orange color fruit, somewhat pear-shaped, 2 long and 1 1/2 across with 1 to 3 seeds. Eaten fresh, in jellies and wines. Moderate growth, salt tolerant. Fruit may be thinned to increase size. Many varieties. The loquat should really be used more, the fruit is especially good just eaten out of hand or in poultry casseroles. The plant, too, deserves more attention because it's a lovely hold-leaved green beauty. The orange fruit resembles an apricot when it is ready for picking because of its orange color. Wash and dry the seeds and plant them 1/2-inch deep in good fertile soil that has ample drainage. With proper care and frequent repottings, the loquat can grow into an attractive tree in gardens where temperatures don't go below 25 degrees F. Loquats are sometimes called Japanese medlars.

More to read:

- Article about Loquat

- Video about Loquat

- PDF download. Overlooked fruit: tasty Loquat recipes. (from Tropical Treasures Magazine).

Oxyanthus sp. (Whipstick Tree) is a fascinating plant native to South Africa. It is a large shrub or small tree, reaching a height of 5 - 10 ft tall if grown as a shrub and 10 - 20 ft tall when grown as a tree. It has horizontal branches, resembling a large bush with a rounded canopy.

In warm climates it prefers full sun, though it will tolerate some light shade. It has a moderate water requirement, preferring regular deep soakings to keep the soil evenly moist. Each season is rewarded with fragrant, greenish-white, off-white flowers borne in dense heads of long slender corolla tubes. The blooms are showy and often bring an array of people to the garden. The flowers are followed by orange-yellow fruit.

The Whipstick Tree can be grown in pots in colder climates, however, drainage must be a priority as plants living in pots dry out more quickly. If grown in a pot, it should be placed in a sunny location and kept moist. As its water requirements are low it is a great choice for containers in drought prone areas or when water restrictions apply.

This striking evergreen can grow in USDA hardiness Zones 9-11, if provided with well-drained soil and plenty of sun. It is a hardy plant, tolerant of both heat and drought once established. Overall, it is a low-maintenance design and offers an abundance of color and structure with its unique foliage all year round.

Rhaphiolepis are low growing, spreading evergreen shrubs with thick, leathery, serrated, oblong leaves. They are dark green on top and lighter on bottom. Star shaped flowers are held at branch tips in loose clusters and are white or light pink, with five petals, and may be lightly fragrant. Flowers are followed by blue-black fruits with 1 or 2 seeds and provide food for birds. Must have well drained soil whether in sun or part shade. Avoid overhead irrigation, especially at night.

The genus is closely related to Eriobotrya (Loquats), so closely in fact, that members of the two genera have hybridised with each other.