Citrus trifoliata aka Hardy Orange

Citrus trifoliata, also known as the trifoliate orange, is a member of the Rutaceae family. There is ongoing debate about whether it should be classified under its own genus, Poncirus, or included in the Citrus genus. This unique citrus species is native to northern China and Korea and is also referred to as the Japanese bitter-orange, hardy orange, or Chinese bitter orange. This plant is known for its deciduous, compound leaves and pubescent fruit. It can tolerate moderate frost and snow, making it a cold-hardy citrus that can grow into a large shrub or small tree reaching heights of 4-8 meters. When citrus is grafted onto Citrus trifoliata, it tends to be hardier than when grown on its own roots. The trifoliate orange is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that can reach around 3 meters in height. Its trifoliate green leaves turn yellow in autumn, adding to its ornamental appeal. It features long stout thorns, making it suitable as a hedge plant. Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring before the leaves, and these develop into lemon-like fruits that remain on the plant after the leaves fall. The tangled green stems with curved thorns and yellow fruits create an attractive display during winter. This citrus species stands out with its large thorns, measuring 3-5 cm, on the shoots. Its deciduous leaves consist of three (or rarely, five) leaflets, with the middle leaflet being 3-5 cm long and the side leaflets measuring 2-3 cm long. The flowers are white with pink stamens, larger than those of true citrus, and have a less pronounced scent. When crushed, the leaves emit a spicy aroma. The green fruits ripen to yellow and reach a diameter of 3-4 cm, similar in size to a lime. They have a fuzzy texture resembling a peach and a distinctive smell. Additionally, these fruits often contain a high concentration of seeds.