One of the most versatile fruit trees is the Loqaut Tree, it will grow in most areas of Australian from Queensland to Tasmania and fruits in late spring to early summer.
These are a medium sized tree with a broad spreading crown. Found widely in suburban and rural areas they are originally from China.
Often in many older gardens Loqaut trees can reach over 5m and with attractive glossy foliage are useful in the larger garden. Although they will reach a good size they are also easy to prune and keep under control. A few varieties are available including Thames Pride and Herd’s Mammoth.
These trees require little care once established other than pruning to size, removal of dead wood and watering during very dry spells. Fruit can be eaten fresh when ripe or used in jams or preserves.
Garden and Landscaping Uses
Grown for the fruit and also as an ornamental shade tree, they have large textured foliage and small flowers followed by round yellow edible fruit. The fruit is sweet, with a unique taste, similar to an apricot with a sharper flavour. It can be eaten fresh from the tree when ripe, stewed, turned into jams or made into preserves. Also used to make liqueurs and grappa, the seeds are inedible.
Loquat Tree Varieties
Although many seedling trees are available some named cultivars are also sold by some nurseries.
- Loquat ‘Enormity – Very large fruit with excellent taste
- Loquat ‘Sewells Prolific – Very heavy cropping
- Loquat Nagasakiwase – Best for the amount of flesh to seed, ripens early.
- Loquat Thames Pride – A white fleshed variety that fruits early.
- Loquat Bessel Brown – Larger fruit than most, good flavour and skin that resists bruising.
- Loquat ‘Enormity – Very large fruit with excellent taste
- Loquat ‘Sewells Prolific – Very heavy cropping
- Loquat Nagasakiwase – Best for the amount of flesh to seed, ripens early.
- Loquat Thames Pride – A white fleshed variety that fruits early.
- Loquat Bessel Brown – Larger fruit than most, good flavour and skin that resists bruising.
Loquat Trees are available for sale online from the following growers and nurseries
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
