Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Bayou Ben on February 11, 2019, 02:54:06 pm

Title: Japanese Plum ??
Post by: Bayou Ben on February 11, 2019, 02:54:06 pm

Is it any good for bows? 

I did a quick search and didn't see it mentioned much.  It has fruit so I'm assuming a bow can be made from it.  I'm not sure of the official name, that's just what we have always called it.

I cut one down this weekend and there's a few straight pieces that I've sealed and will let season. 

Title: Re: Japanese Plum ??
Post by: Hamish on February 11, 2019, 03:45:37 pm

Fruits don't look like a genuine plum. They have a look similar to a crab apple or guava. The leaves look heavier and waxier than deciduous fruit trees. It might be some sort of tropical.
Jap Plum might be a common name. The majority of fruitwoods make really good bows, so if you have access to a nice stave, seems like a worthwhile experiment

Title: Re: Japanese Plum ??
Post by: Pat B on February 11, 2019, 04:08:05 pm

It's called a loquat. The botanical name is Eriobotrya japonica. Whether it's good for bows I don't know but I've eaten a ton of those fruits.

Title: Re: Japanese Plum ??
Post by: Bayou Ben on February 11, 2019, 04:39:41 pm

I have eaten a ton of them too Pat.  Excellent fruit. 
I was sad we had to cut it down.  It was growing into the neighbor’s yard.

Title: Re: Japanese Plum ??
Post by: upstatenybowyer on February 11, 2019, 05:37:34 pm

I'd do an SG test on it. I think there's a description of how to do that in TBB 4 under "Bow Wood."

Either that, or make a bow and let us know how it turns out.  (-P