Unknown parentage
Poncirus Trifoliata
Other names: Hardy Orange, Trifoliate Orange
Estimated Genetic Ancestry
- 100% Poncirus trifoliata
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World of CitrusWorld of CitrusUnknown parentage
Other names: Hardy Orange, Trifoliate Orange
Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) is a deciduous shrub or small tree with green, thorny stems, three-part leaves, and white flowers. Oregon State lists its native range as China and Korea and its hardiness as USDA Zone 5.[4]
Its small, yellow fruit is very sour and seedy.[4] Taste reports vary: Weird Explorer describes slight bitterness, while The Mulberries’ companion scorecard describes moderate bitterness and very low sweetness.[6][11] Oregon State also describes its use as a dwarfing citrus rootstock.[4] Plants For A Future reports self-fertility and insect pollination.[5]
One grower reports that Poncirus juice left in an open glass overnight lost its pine flavor as resin settled, producing lemonade he liked. This is an individual processing account, not a demonstrated chemical explanation or general taste result.[17]