Fauna
Plant

Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica

Also known as Japanese Medlar, Japanese Plum, Chinese Plum, Nispero

Loquat trees stand out in subtropical landscapes with their large, stiffly ribbed evergreen leaves that feel felted with rust-colored fuzz on the undersides. Unlike most temperate fruit trees, loquats flower in late autumn and winter, releasing a sweet almond fragrance that draws overwintering pollinators before maturing fruit in early spring. Native to the damp forest slopes of south-central China, the tree serves as an important winter nectar source and year-round canopy shelter for local wildlife.

EvergreenFruit-BearingFlowering
Loquat reference1 / 7
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Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil nutrients
Predators
  • Fruit bat
  • European starling
  • Spotted wing drosophila
ThreatsDeforestation in native range, fire blight, and fungal leaf spot
HabitatsSubtropical mixed forests, hillsides, orchards, and urban gardens
Life span30–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyRosaceae
  3. GenusRhaphiolepis
  4. SpeciesEriobotrya japonica
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides toxic to pets: wild fruit has toxic look-alikes, never ingest based on app identification.
Why it is dangerous
Seeds and foliage contain amygdalin, which releases toxic hydrogen cyanide when chewed, causing vomiting and respiratory failure in pets.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for large, serrated, leathery leaves with rusty fuzz underneath and round yellow-orange pomes containing large brown pits.
What to do
Keep curious pets away from fallen seeds, and avoid crushing or ingesting any parts of the plant.
Responsible observation
  • Winter Blooms: Look for small white blossoms during cold months when few other trees flower.
  • Foliage Texture: Inspect leaf undersides to see dense, protective brown wool called tomentum.
  • Pet Safety: Keep domestic dogs and cats away from fallen fruit pits.
Related species
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