Wild Loquat
Uapaca kirkianafam. Sapotaceae
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Pl. 45FB — Uapaca kirkiana
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IOverview
Overview
Wild Loquat, scientifically known as Uapaca kirkiana and belonging to the Sapotaceae family, is a tree native to Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil. It can grow up to 12 meters tall and is known for its edible fruit. One distinctive feature of the Wild Loquat is its adaptability to various growing conditions, making it a versatile addition to landscapes where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Wild Loquat?
Wild Loquat, scientifically known as Uapaca kirkiana and belonging to the Sapotaceae family, is a tree native to Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) or medium soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wild Loquat thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or medium in texture. It grows best in temperate regions with hardiness zones 10-12. Water the plant regularly to maintain moisture levels. The tree can reach a height of 12 meters and is native to Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, Zaïre, and Zimbabwe. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wild Loquat for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Wild Loquat to experience growing this tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Wild Loquat sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warming up but before it gets too hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light (sandy) to medium, with good drainage. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for fruit trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into its permanent spot or a large container if you're growing it indoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial sun for the first few days, then gradually expose to full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with a balanced fertilizer once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage fruiting. Harvest the fruit when it turns yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:Fire starterContainersDyeFencingLumberSoil conditionerErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 8 native
Africa7 regions
native (7)AngolaBurundiMalawiMozambiqueTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapotaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapotaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 45fb6e86-972e-4f92-be29-3561008c2d1a
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