Habitat:
Eriobotrya japonica is native to southeastern China, where it occurs in humid montane forests, forest margins, and scrub, at elevations ranging from 300 to 2,100 metres. It grows naturally in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangxi, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces, often on well-drained rocky slopes or woodland edges. It has been widely cultivated and naturalised in Japan, the Mediterranean basin, the Americas, and South and Southeast Asia, especially in subtropical and warm-temperate zones (Kew POWO, Flora of China vol. 9).
Description:
Eriobotrya japonica is an evergreen, multi-stemmed tree or large shrub that can reach up to 10 metres in height, with a broad, rounded crown. Leaves are alternate, simple, oblong to oblanceolate, measuring 10–25 cm long and 3–8 cm wide, with deeply serrated margins, a leathery texture, and pronounced parallel venation on the underside. The upper surface is dark green and glossy; the lower surface is covered in a dense whitish to rusty tomentum. Flowers are borne in terminal panicles, each 8–20 cm long, consisting of small, fragrant, five-petalled white flowers, each about 1.5–2 cm wide. The fruit is a yellow to orange pome, 3–5 cm long, containing 1–3 large brown seeds and maturing in late winter to early spring. It resembles Rhaphiolepis in foliage but differs in fruit type and inflorescence form.
Cultivation:
Grow Eriobotrya japonica in full sun in a sheltered position. Optimal temperatures are 18–26 °C during the day, with nighttime lows of 10–15 °C; it can tolerate short periods down to –5 °C when mature. Provide a well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Water regularly during the growing season, reducing slightly in winter. The species benefits from a balanced fertiliser applied in early spring and again after fruiting. Prune lightly to shape and improve air flow. In cooler climates, it is best grown against a south-facing wall or under glass.
Specifications:
Plant Size: grown by us, plants are 30 -50 cm tall.
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Plant Passport: Eriobotrya japonica B 140084 C 15955 D GB