A PRELIMINARY REPORT OF INVESTIGATION ON GENUS ERIOBOTRYA PLANTS IN GUANGXI AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS

Five species of genus Eriobotrya plants in Guangxi of China were investigated based on exhaustive reference to literature, inspecting specimens, inquiries through personal communication, examining trees in the field and analyzing their fruits in the laboratory. The growth habits and the fruit quality of a wild loquat species; Eriobotrya kwangsiensis Chun., showed excellent characteristics based on our investigation. Four other local varieties (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) and some wild loquats are documented for the first time. The investigation, collection, conservation and utilization of the resources of germplasm of genus Eriobotrya plants in Guangxi were also discussed.