Wild Loquat

Uapaca kirkiana

Physical Characteristics

Uapaca kirkiana is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Africa - Angola, Burundi, Tanzania and the Congo.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Drink Fruit - raw or cooked[398 ]. Fleshy and sweet, it has a delicious flavour[398 ]. The fruit is commonly eaten fresh and is highly regarded[301 , 303 ]. It can also be used for brewing a very pleasant wine or for making cakes that are fried and eaten[301 ]. The juice of the fruit is mixed with sorghum meal to form a thin, orange-flavoured porridge[301 ]. The fruit pulp is juicy, honey-like, very tasty and somewhat reminiscent of pears[301 ]. Dried fruits have a toffee-like flavour[301 ]. The fruit is about 4cm x 4cm.

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Dysentery An infusion made from the roots is used to treat indigestion and dysentery[418 ].

Known Hazards

None known