Loquat tree (Japanese or Chinese plum tree)

Spotted on a walk to the park this Sunday morning. We know the edible fruit as 'nisperos' in these parts. The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a large evergreen shrub or tree, grown commercially for its orange fruit and for its leaves, which are used to make herbal tea. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

The loquat is in the family Rosaceae, and is native to the cooler hill regions of south-central China. In Japan the loquat is known as biwa (枇杷, びわ) and has been grown for more than a thousand years. The loquat has been introduced to regions with subtropical to mild temperate climates throughout the world. Latin name Eriobotrya japonica. a.k.a. Japanese plum and Chinese plum, as well as pipa in China, naspli in Malta, Lukaat in India, Lucat in Sri Lanka, níspero in Spain, nêspera in Portugal, shések in Israel, akidéné in Lebanon, Ebirangweti in Kisii and nespolo in Italy (where the name is shared with Mespilus germanica). Thanks, Wikipedia!