Loquat is an attractive evergreen tree that produces clusters of orange-yellow fruit in late winter to early spring, well ahead of most other fruit trees. It is one of the most reliable and low-maintenance fruit trees for Australian gardens, tolerating a wide range of soils, moderate drought, and mild frosts. Tracked varieties include Bessell Brown (a popular Australian selection with large, sweet, pale yellow flesh) and Nagasakiwase (a Japanese variety with reddish-orange skin, firm flesh, and excellent flavour). Loquat grows across a wide range of Australian climates. In tropical Queensland it grows vigorously but may not fruit reliably due to insufficient cool-season induction. It performs best in subtropical and temperate zones: southeast Queensland, coastal NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and WA's southwest. Trees prefer full sun but tolerate part shade. Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly during dry periods. Loquat is largely self-fertile. Fruit typically ripens from August to October depending on region and variety. The fruit bruises easily and has a short shelf life. Birds, particularly silvereyes and currawongs, are attracted to ripe fruit. Loquat has no significant quarantine restrictions in WA and is widely grown in Perth gardens as both an ornamental and productive tree.