A better adaptation to different soil types can be reached by using alternative rootstocks to Loquat seedlings, as quince, pear or hawthorn. From these types, a large number of varieties emerged in different countries where Loquat was grown. Loquat plant is a small tree that usually is not higher than 5 or 6 m, with persistent leaves, rounded crown, straight trunk, rough and gray bark that peels-off yearly. Plants grafted on seedlings have a first harvest at the second growth year and a regular yield could be reached at fifth year in a well managed orchard. Flowers are clustered and located at the tip of the central shoots and sometimes at lateral shoots.
Flowers are small, white or yellowish and scented.
Usually, there are 60-70 flowers per cluster. The seeds are large with brown seed-coat. Historically, Loquat species was an ornamental tree with small fruits and as ornamental was spread from Japan to Europe in 18th century. Later, in 19th century, since selections of cultivars with larger fruits were available, the fruits were used by consumers. Nowadays most of the production is for fresh market.