Scientific Name
Eriobotrya japonica
Common Name
Loquat

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Rosaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen shrub or tree with alternate, simple leaves which are leathery, veiny, and toothed; flowers small, white, 5-parted; fruit fleshy, yellow.
Origin
Asia.
Where Found
Landscape as cultivated ornamental small flowering tree.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Pit kernel from cracked seeds.
Symptoms
Weakness, vomiting, labored breathing, twitching, stupor, convulsions.
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Fruit eaten raw (if seeds not swallowed) or made into jelly or jam.
Toxic Principle
Cyanogenic glycoside.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species