Family: Rutaceae

Mandarin orange is a small single-stemmed tree that grows up to 15 feet. A fruit-producing tree, Mandarin orange, is the sweet granddaughter of an ancient pummelo. There were two separate domestication events in the Nanling Mountains of Southern China 4000 years ago. Today mandarin is one of the most important citrus crops worldwide. A symbol of good fortune for the Chinese new year, mandarins are displayed and given as gifts. The fruit is medicinal and edible. The easy to peel skins are used for essential oils or dried for medicine. The fruit breaks into segments with ease. Whether raw, juiced, in salads, or any way, mandarins are delicious.

The small evergreen tree has dark green narrow leaves. Fragrant flowers are white and star-shaped. Following flowers comes the fruit, sweeter than oranges and easier to peel than tangerines, the delicious mandarin. The self-fertile tree needs full sun, loamy soil, good drainage, and lots of mulch to thrive. The tree is drought tolerant to a point; after three months, it must be irrigated. It dislikes root disturbance, plant young trees with extra care.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cultural significance
• Edible
• Fragrant
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers