Loquat

Grafted loquats can surprise you with fruit as early as their third year. Uniquely among fruit trees, loquats flower in autumn and ripen their fruit in late winter or early spring, so frost is the main enemy of the crop rather than the tree itself. The large, tropical-looking evergreen leaves make it an attractive ornamental even if it never fruits. In cooler climates, grow against a warm south-facing wall. Self-fertile, but cross-pollination improves fruit set. The sweet, apricot-like fruit is a genuine treat.