Glycosmis trifoliata

Pink Fruited Lime Berry

Glycosmis trifoliata is known as the Pink Fruited Lime Berry and also ‘Orange Berry’ however better described as the pink to orange berry.

It is native to Northern Australia and is also found through South East Asia.

Grown for the fruit which is sweet and juicy Glycosmis trifoliata or ‘Orange Berry’ is an evergreen shrub with glossy citrus like foliage.

Description

This is a thornless plant, a small bushy shrub, the leaves look like and when crushed have a familiar citrus smell, however the berries are anything but citrus like.

Small white flowers similar to those of citrus trees, and although they are related, the fruit does not give that indication.

The flowers are followed by small green fruit which turn to orange to pinky red berries. The fruit is very sweet and juicy and widely used as a bush food.

A single seed is easily removed and the ripe berries can be eaten fresh, preserved or used to make wine. The berries can also be dried.

Fruiting period is long, although the heaviest time seems to be from spring through summer.

The ‘Orange Berry’ will grow well as far south as Coffs Harbour, further south, problematical.

How To Grow Glycosmis trifoliata

This is a small tree that is easy to grow in warm sub tropical to tropical conditions. And id will grow in cooler zones as long as it is a warm protected position and defiantly not exposed to frosts.

• Plant in full sun to light shade depending on climate
  It naturally grows as an understory tree so this indicates the type of light it needs in warmer climates.
• Prepare a humus rich fertile soil with good drainage.
• Use a low phosphate fertiliser, or some aged cow manure un mulch.
• Watering – Although Glycosmis trifoliata will tolerate dry conditions for short periods it prefers and fruit more prolifically with moist soils.
• Pruning, if needed is best carried out after flowering. Light pruning is recommended rather than heavy pruning.

Related Species

Glycosmis pentaphylla – Also known as the Orange Berry as well as the Gin Berry. Reaches around 6m in height, often smaller. Also known as ‘Ban Nimbi’ and ‘Konchi’ in South East Asia where it also grows.

Propagation

Propagation Easy from fresh seed if you can obtain it.

Summary

• Botanical Name – Glycosmis trifoliata
• Family – Rutaceae
• Common Names – Orange Berry, Pink Fruited Lime Berry, Pink Lime Bush.
• Origins – Widespread across norther Australia, QLD, NT and into Western Australia
• Position – Full sun
• Soil – Humus rich moist and well drained. Soil should be allowed to dry a little between watering.
• Height To 8m in height, usually 4m or less in cultivation.
• Spread – Will reach 2 to 4m across over time.
• Growth rate – Slow
• Soil – Well drained
• Aspect – Full sun
• Attractions – Host plant for Swallowtail Butterflies.
• Flowers – Small White in clusters followed by larger pink berries to 1cm again in clusters
• Flowering Season – Main period is from spring to early summer however can flower throught the year.
• Frost Tolerant – No
• Drought tolerant -Medium
• Best climate – Tropical to sub tropical.
• Coastal conditions – Yes, second line.

Try the following nurseries and growers for Glycosmis trifoliata plants for sale.