Eriobotrya (XRhapiobotrya) 'Coppertone'

[fastfeat]

'Coppertone' loquat is a shrub or, with training, a small tree of uncertain parentage and nomenclature. Most sources believe it is a hybrid between bronze loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) and Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica), though some list it as having fruiting loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) as one parent, but others believe that Photinia serrulata is a parent. (One day, DNA testing may positively confirm its parentage.)

Regardless, it makes a nice standard that is larger than the more commonly-planted Rhaphiolepis 'Majestic Beauty' (itself possibly of intergeneric origin). These here at Fountain Valley city hall are probably at least 20 years old; the largest here are about 18'/6m tall. Like loquat, the pink flowers are quite fragrant. Fruit doesn't seem to develop regularly (like Eriobotyra deflexa here, most years.) Habit is a little more contorted than bronze loquat, but the character is rather interesting, IMHO. It would make a nice small patio tree if it can be found in the trade, though it doesn't seem to be offered by any of the major growers in SoCal currently.

(Sorry, pic quality poor; shot near sunset...)

solo:

Eriobotrya deflexa (L) and Eriobotrya X 'Coppertone' ®:

mixed with E. deflexa:

comparison of flowers/foliage:

[ThunderSRQ]

Very nice Ken -- love the contorted trunk and flower display. Do you know if these can be acquired in Florida?

Tim

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

Never heard of this. Nice looking plant and good documentation and comparison.

[fastfeat]

I think Eric planted E. 'Coppertone' at Leu as as shrub; not sure how it's doing.

Leaf spot fungi (Botryosphaeria) can be a problem in humid areas on Rhaphiolepis; not sure if it's problematic on this tree in FL or not. I would imagine that it will perform better as one goes farther north in the state (the 'inverse coconut curve').

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

R. indica is used a lot on South Florida, especially as a groundcover or low shrub in areas close to the beach. Majestic Beauty I have only seen three times, once at a bank, once at my college ID class 20 years ago and the third time was at the nursery where I used to work, my boss liked them and bought a half dozen specimens to grow on.

[Eric in Orlando]

We have 'Coppertone' planted in front of our big Bismarckia. We keep it pruned to about 5ft. Its a nice shrub I never see sold here anymore, same with Eriobotrya deflexa. Both were used in the late 70s/early 80s and then no more. I found the 'Coppertone' shrubs we have about 10 years ago at a local nursery. They had a few in the back butbad looking specimens. I got them and planted them out and they are nice now. Wish it was sold/used more around here.

[Mats]

... it doesn't seem to be offered by any of the major growers in SoCal currently.

Briggs in San Marcos has some -