Rhaphiolepis deflexa, commonly known as Bronze Loquat, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to forest margins, thickets, and valleys in Southeast Asia, particularly Taiwan. It typically grows to a height of 15-25 feet (5-8 meters) and a width of 7-13 feet (2.1-4 meters). The plant features leathery, bronze-tinted leaves when young, which mature to a dark green. It produces clusters of fragrant, cream-colored flowers in the spring, followed by small, dark blue to black fruits that are attractive to birds.

Bronze Loquat is appreciated for its ornamental qualities, including its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and the fruit that provides visual interest and wildlife value. It is used in urban landscapes, as a specimen plant, or for hedging and screening due to its dense growth habit. This plant is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle full sun to part shade. While generally pest-resistant, it can be susceptible to fire blight and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0