Uapaca kirkiana aka Wild Loquat

Uapaca kirkiana, or wild loquat, belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. Its native range runs from Tanzania into southern tropical Africa. It grows in lowland forests and open woodland. It also grows in gaps within miombo woodland. Wild trees occur at 1,640–6,560 feet [500–2,000 metres] above sea level. People gather its fruit for sale in local markets. Farmers sometimes keep wild trees when clearing land.

This tree grows about 16–39 feet [5–12 metres] tall. Its crown can spread to 39 feet [12 metres]. Many spreading branches form a dense, rounded crown. The trunk is short and stout, with rough, dark grey bark. It may keep its leaves or shed some seasonally. The leathery, oval leaves may cluster near branch tips. Its flowers are greenish-yellow, and its round fruits ripen rusty-yellow. Male and female flowers grow on separate trees. Both sexes are needed for seed production.

The fruit measures about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] across. People eat the sweet, juicy flesh fresh or cooked. Its flavour recalls pears, while dried fruit tastes like toffee. The fruit also goes into wine and fried cakes. People mix its juice with sorghum meal to make porridge. Both reference accounts report no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every plant part or pet. Traditional medicine uses a root infusion for indigestion and dysentery.

Wild loquat grows at a moderate rate and prefers full sun. It also accepts light shade, and young seedlings need some shade. Moist soil with good drainage suits it best. It tolerates poor, shallow ground, including gravel and sandy loam. Recorded soil pH ranges from 4 to 6.5. It grows best with annual mean temperatures of 18–24°C. Preferred annual rainfall ranges from 700 to 1,500 millimetres. Frost can cause severe harm; PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Fresh seed needs prompt sowing, as viability lasts about three weeks. Growers also use suckers and cuttings.

People plant this tree for shade, shelter, and ornamental value. It also serves in living fences and helps limit soil erosion. Helpful fungi associate with its roots and support soil improvement. The roots yield a blue dye. People use the leaves to repel cockroaches indoors. Its hard, durable wood has pale sapwood and reddish-brown heartwood. It saws cleanly and takes a smooth finish. The supplied accounts name no specific pests or diseases.