Chinese box-orange
Atalantia buxifolia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small spiny tree. It grows 6 m tall. The leaves are alternate and reduced to a single oblong leaflet 2.5 cm long. It is dark green. The flowers are very small and pure white. They are in clusters or 2-3 in the axils of the leaves. They have a scent. The fruit are round, black and about 1 cm long. They have several oval seeds.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It is best in full sun. It will grow well in alkaline or salty soils. It is often in thickets near the ocean. It grows up to 300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are used in the preparation of yeast cakes.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Jerukan cina, Tsau ping lak

Synonyms

Citrus buxifolia Poir.; Severinia buxifolia (Poiret) Ten.; and others