Loquats are also known as Chinese pears. I learned this from Nathaniel, native of Miami, neighbor of the West Grove and friend to Erica and Kristy in the Urban Resurrection Community. Nathaniel was nice enough to barbeque/smoke a delicious meal for a college group of DOOR participants from Reinhardt College.Once I figured out they weren't Kumquats, I described them to Nathaniel who knew them as Chinese Pears. I finally checked the wikipedia article for confirmation.
Most trees around town are kept much smaller. But like so much in my yard, it was already planted and growing a little wild. They make me extra happy when they ripen. It was this time a few years ago, we moved into this wonderful place. The kids climbed the trees and ate enough to make me worry they'd get a stomach ache. (How mommish of me.)I'll bet they are all over Miami and most folks don't know the fruits are delicious. But almond trees grow here as well, and most folks don't know it either. So much to learn.
Love those loquats! I think the tropical almond, Terminalia catappa, is considered a potential invasive. I know it's not related to true almonds. But it does look pretty when the leaves turn red.
ReplyDelete-- Penny