ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica). The Loquat tree is a large evergreen shrub or tree grown commercially for its orange colored fruits. It is native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China. It has been introduced to regions with subtropical to mild temperate climates throughout the world as it makes a great ornamental tree. Loquats are unusual among fruit trees in that the flowers appear in the autumn or early winter, and the fruits are ripe at any time from early spring to early summer. The plant has been cultivated in China for over 1,000 years. Chinese immigrants are presumed to have carried the loquat to Hawaii and California. The loquat can also be used in juices or smoothies. In South American countries such as Ecuador, the loquat can be used for batidos, where they are mixed with milk, ice, or other fruits. The liquor nespolino is made from the seeds, reminiscent of nocino and amaretto, and Loquats can also be used to make light wine!