Melicope ternata
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
Melicope ternata is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 6
Where it is found
Coastal to lowland forest, especially marginal, North and South Islands south to latitude 41° 30' south.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The plant yields an edible gum that is used for chewing. It sweetens the breath.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antihalitosis.
Antihalitosis: Treats bad breath
Other
Rating:
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, but it only succeeds outdoors on a sunny wall in the warmest areas of Britain. It requires a sandy freely-draining lime-free soil and a position sheltered from hot drying winds. Plants are not very frost hardy and are often defoliated in cold winters. They are best grown in pots that are put outdoors in the summer and brought into a conservatory for the winter. The bruised leaves have a pungent smell of oranges.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist