Trifoliate Orange - Poncirus trifoliata - €18 per plant

Hardy orange is a highly ornamental plant, producing pretty fruits that ripen to an attractive yellow in the autumn and remain in situ into the winter.  This is not the plants sole attribute  - it is a classic hedgerow plant that is virtually impenetrable due to its formidable thorns. The plant is fairly cold-hardy, and will tolerate moderate frost and snow.   It is closely related to the citrus genus, which results in it being very successfully used as a rootstock for other citrus fruits. It has a wide range of uses medicinally, particularly used to help with digestive disorders. To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com. 

Context

  • native region: Central and northern China, E. Asia and Korea
  • native habitat: Hedgerows, woods in mountains and hills in Korea
  • family: Rosaceae

Pest and Predators

  • No serious insect or disease problems

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 6a - 9b
  • Prefers moist, well drained soil    

Known hazards 

  • Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where most, if not all members of the genus produce hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Overview

  • ​Deciduous Tree growing to 3m by 3m  at a slow rate.
  • It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from Sep to November.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • The plant is self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soil and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

Characteristics

  • form: deciduous shrub or small tree 
  • layer: Shrub layer
  • habit: thorny, well-branched
  • height x width (m): 3m x 3m

Products 

  • Fruit: Fruits of this citrus are relatively edible with a lemony flavour, but are very acidic and seedy. Fruits can used to make marmalade or a refreshing drink, but are usually left on the tree where they remain well into winter and have ornamental value.  
  • Flowers: Fragrant and white appear singularly in spring in April.
  • An extremely thorny plant, makes an excellent impenetrable barrier or hedge.
  • Many parts of the plant have medicinal value.

Functions, behaviours

  • An easily grown plant, it succeeds in an ordinary garden soil
  • ​Plants dislike soil cultivation close to their roots and so should either be well mulched to prevent weed growth, or hand weeded.
  • The whole plant, but especially the flowers, is strongly aromatic
  • ​Plants are relatively short-lived, deteriorating after about 25 years
  • closely related to Citrus,and can be used effectively as rootstock for this genus
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project