Loquat, Eriobotrya japonica, is an evergreen tree from China whose clusters of small, orange-yellow, sweet-tart fruits ripen in spring, earlier than most temperate fruits. It is grown in North Indian gardens and Himalayan foothills as lokat. Its large seeds contain amygdalin and are not eaten. Loquat leaf syrup is a traditional cough remedy in China.
- Botanical name
- Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Tamil
- Loquat
- Hindi
- Lokat
- Parts used
- Ripe fruit
- Habit
- Loquat; apple is a cousin, not this fruit
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Loquat
It is a small evergreen tree with large, stiff, leathery, dark green leaves that are deeply veined, with rusty-woolly undersides.
Fragrant, creamy white flowers grow in woolly clusters in autumn and winter.
The fruit is oval to round, yellow to orange, with a thin, fuzzy skin and juicy flesh around two to four large brown seeds.
It is a relative of apple and pear, all in the rose family.
Fruits ripen unevenly within a cluster, so they are picked by hand over several weeks.
Traditional use of Loquat
Kitchen
Loquats are eaten fresh, stewed and made into jams and jellies.
Asian and Mediterranean food practice
Chinese practice
Loquat leaf syrup, pipa gao, is a traditional Chinese remedy for coughs.
Chinese practice
Modern notes on Loquat
The fruit provides carotenoids, fibre and potassium.
Loquats bruise easily and do not store well, so they are rarely seen far from where they grow.
Loquat safety
Eat the fruit; do not eat the seeds.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to southern central China and was grown in Japan for over a thousand years.
Because it flowers in winter, bees feed on it when little else is in bloom.
It is grown in Indian gardens from Punjab to Himachal and the Nilgiris.
It tolerates heat and drought better than most temperate fruits, which is why it grows in North Indian plains gardens.
Related plants
Also in Rosaceae
Questions about Loquat
Is Loquat a medlar?
No. Medlar is Mespilus germanica of Europe.
When does Loquat fruit?
In spring, from about March to May in North India.
Are the seeds of Loquat edible?
No. They contain amygdalin.
How do I eat a loquat?
Peel the thin skin if you like, eat the flesh and discard the seeds.
Sources
- Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q41505 (Eriobotrya japonica)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.