China tangerine

Although its exact origin is unknown, it is known to be native to Southeast Asia. It is found in natural environments in southern China, as well as in Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia, and Laos.

It is an evergreen shrub with very dense and compact foliage, low branching, and short internodes. The branches are thin and spiny. Its leaves are small, oval, glossy, and dark green. They are characterized by having very prominent veins. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and flowering occurs in spring. The ripe fruits are slightly depressed globular berries with seeds, having a glossy skin and black color that ripen by late summer. It has a very slow growth rate.

Due to its morphology and the presence of thorns, it is used as a hedge. In China, its leaves are used to make yeast cakes (tsau'ping lak in Cantonese, which means "wine cake").