David, Eriobotrya japonica are very commonly grown in Cyprus. In fact a generation ago almost every household would have a tree in the yard. The younger generation, as with many things, haven't carried on the practice. As you say the British in particular refer to them as medlars, although, as you also say they are in fact loquats. They do not need to be bletted and are eaten straight from the tree. We have 2 trees and also a true medlar, Mespilus germanica, the fruit of which does need to be bletted before being edible. For this to happen on the tree generally needs a period of frost, something we do not experience. We could pick the fruit and put it in the fridge for a while to mimic the cold spell but have found the end result not really worth the time taken. So we grow the tree for its novelty value and as an ornamental with its attractive blossom.