Renowned for its exceptionally large fruit, Herd’s Mammoth Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica ‘Herd’s Mammoth’) is a classic Australian favourite that combines ornamental beauty with generous crops. Clusters of sweet, juicy, orange-fleshed fruit ripen from late winter into spring, providing one of the earliest harvests of the season. With bold, evergreen foliage and fragrant autumn blossoms, this handsome tree makes an excellent feature in home orchards and gardens alike.
- Uses: Eating fresh, jams, chutneys, desserts, preserving
- Pollination: Self-pollinating; heavier crops with another loquat nearby
- Fruit size: About about 5-7 cm long (can vary with conditions)
- Harvest: Late winter to early spring (August–October in southern Australia)
- Chill requirements: Low chill; suited to temperate and mild sub-tropical climates
- Size: About 4–6 m x 3–5 m
- Attributes: Very large fruit; sweet flavour; reliable bearer; evergreen; moderate drought tolerance once established
- Features: Fragrant autumn flowers; bold tropical-style foliage; attractive feature tree; fruit stores briefly when cool
- Also known as: Mammoth Loquat
References:
Crane, J. H., & Balerdi, C. F. (2019). Loquat growing in the Florida home landscape. University of Florida IFAS Extension.
NSW Department of Primary Industries. (n.d.). Loquat. NSW DPI.
Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. (2007). Loquat industry overview. Australian Government.
Images: Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees
Loquat flower image generic
