Citrus tachibana (Mak.) Tan.

ORIGIN DATA:

Tachibana is one of Japan’s two ancient citrus fruits. It is only found in the wild on some islands of Japan and in Taiwan. It is assumed to be descendent of the first mandarins, which originated in continental Asia. Although it is a non-edible fresh mandarin it is of great importance in Japan, where it has been revered since ancient times.

TREE AND FRUIT DESCRIPTION:

Small tree, with a rounded crown and no thorns on its branches. Small and wide leaves, not similar to those of the typical mandarin orange. Small fruits, spheroidal and flattened by both poles. The apical pole is characteristically depressed. Rind not very rough at the end of the ripening process, when it reaches a reddish yellow color. The pulp is soft, juicy and produces an acidic juice with an attractive color. It has small seeds.

USES:

The tree has been used as a rootstock in the cultivation of citrus fruits and has ornamental value. The rind of the green fruits has similar culinary uses to that of Yuzu, and the juice of both the green and the ripened fruits is a good condiment for soups and fish.