This beautiful plant Eriobotrya  japonica commonly known as the loquat, and also by a number of other names - including Japanese medlar and the nispero. Dramatic foliage is what makes the loquat such a good ornamental plant - its leaves can be likened to those of a sweet chestnut on steroids, with the same proportions and teeth down each side, but much bigger - up to 30cm (12in) long - and a much darker green. They are very thick and stiff, with deeply incised veins on the upper surface that give them a marvellously rugged texture, and a coating of fine, whitish fur on the underside.

Given time and a mild climate, the loquat will grow to form a small tree about 5m (15ft) high and 3m (9ft) wide. The five-petalled white flowers are rather like large hawthorn blossom but are not borne until late summer or autumn, and then only after a decently warm summer.

The flowers have a rich, sweet scent, but this may be appreciated only from an upstairs window, as they tend to grow at the top of the plant.

One of the characteristics that mark it out as coming from a warmer climate zone is the development period of the fruit; this happens over the winter, so ripe fruit is not produced until spring. Needless to say, it rarely fruits in Britain, at least outside Cornwall and in sheltered London gardens.

Do not overwater plants grow young plants indoor for another couple of years before planting out.  We recommend to grow plants in 5-6 litre pots on a patio or in a conservatory. If left outside close to a sheltered south facing wall protect plants in winter with a plant jacket.

Use a general purpose Levington compost with a 3^rd fine horticultural grit added to.

The loquat plant actually comes from central and southern China. However, it has been grown in Japan for its fruit for more than 1,100 years, and has been known in Europe since the mid 18th century. While it has never become an important commercial fruit in the Uk, it is grown widely in the Mediterranean region.