Article Nº 2522 Plant Vol. II · p. 827
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)
Original title: Nespereira (Eriobotrya japonica)
The loquat, a tree of the rose family from Japan introduced to Madeira in 1846 or 1847 and now common in cultivated areas; the entry also notes the medlar (Mespilus germanica), known by the same name.
A tree of the rose family (Rosaceae), introduced to Madeira in 1846 or 1847 and today very common in the cultivated parts of the island. It fruits from February to June and is native to Japan. In some localities one also finds Mespilus germanica, likewise known by the name nespereira, whose fleshy fruits are harsh before picking but become sweet and tasty as they ripen.
Places mentioned