254 MANUAL OF TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL FRUITS 



in the neighborhood of London; in other words, it is much 

 hardier than is supposed." 



According to Paul Hubert, the loquat is grown in Madagascar 

 and in some islands of French Oceania. It is also cultivated in 

 Indo-China. In Hawaii it is fairly common as a garden tree. 

 In Australia its cultivation is limited to Queensland, but Albert 

 H. Benson says that it can be grown in the more southerly 

 coast districts, in the foothills of the Coast Range, and on the 

 coast tablelands. It is not extensively cultivated in any of these 

 regions. Grafted varieties are offered by nurserymen in 

 Brisbane. 



The loquat has become widely distributed throughout 

 America, where its cultivation extends from California and 

 Florida to Chile and Argentina. In Mexico, Central America, 

 and northern South America, it is grown usually in mountain 

 valleys and on plateaux at elevations of 3000 to 7000 feet. In 

 those situations it succeeds well, and merits more attention 

 than is now given it, especially the introduction of superior 

 varieties, propagated by grafting. 



California is probably the most favorable region for loquat 

 culture in the United States. There are many areas in the 

 southern end of the state which are admirably adapted to the 

 production of choice fruit, and the commercial development of 

 loquat culture in these localities is slowly but steadily progress- 

 ing. Already there are several orchards ten to twenty acres 

 in size, and many budded trees of superior varieties have been 

 planted in dooryards and home gardens. 



Throughout the Gulf states the tree grows well, but in many 

 regions frosts interfere with the production of fruit. Several 

 small orchards have been started in Florida, and while these 

 have not been altogether successful in most instances, there are 

 certain districts in the southern part of the state which seem 

 well adapted to its culture. W. J. Krome has had signally good 

 results with this fruit at Homestead. At Miami it has not done 



