Our "Mystery Tree" has been revealed!   Ever since we moved into our house about 3 1/2 years ago, we've wondered what kind of tree was planted in the front garden bed next to our house.  It greeted us when we moved in with clusters of lovely scented white blossoms -- in October!  Quite unusual.  But how I delight in this fabulous tree every year as I look at it out my kitchen window or walk by it on my way into our house.  I smile every time I see bees busily gathering nectar during the warm fall/early winter days in our mild coastal low-country area.

The leaves are evergreen and almost magnolia-like, even having the similarity of dropping its old leaves in the spring.  Other neighbors have the same tree, but no one knew its name.  But during a recent trip to Brookgreen Garden, we think we've discovered what it is...

A Loquat Tree!

(aka: May Apple, Japanese medlar, and/or Japanese plum)

  Taken 4-26-08 @ Brookgreen Gardens

Ours hasn't ever had fruit on it, but hopefully, if it is not merely ornamental, it will soon like this one that helped us solve our "mystery."  It is supposed to bear fruit when it is about 5 years old. It is simillar to the size and taste of an apriocot.

We enjoyed watching this video that told us more about loquat trees.  But unfortunately, it can get up to 30' high and 10' wide.  Will have to research how to prune, but I have a feeling that we will need to sadly transplant it to another part of the yard and hope that it can make the move ok.  (It was planted too close for the house if it truly does get that large.)  Any tips?