Tachibana

Tachibana is one of the two ancestral citrus fruits of Japan, along with Shikwasa. It is only found wild on certain islands in Japan and in Taiwan. It is assumed to be a descendant of the early mandarins, which originated in continental Asia. Despite being an inedible mandarin when fresh, it holds great significance in Japan, where it has been revered since ancient times.

Small tree, with a rounded crown and without spines on its branches. Small and broad leaves, not similar to those of a typical mandarin. Small, spheroid fruits flattened at both poles. The apical pole is characteristically depressed. The bark is slightly rough at the end of maturation, when it reaches a reddish-yellow color. Soft and juicy pulp, providing an acidic juice of attractive color. It has small seeds.

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