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Mandarin

Citrus reticulata

Common names: Raiatea (most common variety in Vanuatu), Mandarin orange, Mandarine (French)

Small-sized tree that grows up to 9 m in height. Long slender branches. Often has spiny stems. Raiatea variety has an erect bearing that is cone shaped.

Leaves

6-8 cm in length. The shape is rhombic, acute, lanceolate with the margins irregularly crenate or crenulate (serrated).

Flowers

Fragrant, single or in small clusters. The flowers are small, star shaped and white.

Fruit

6 cm. Oblate-globose to depressed-subconcave globose. They have a thin yellow to bright orange to red-orange peel when ripe. The pulp is pale to rich orange and the juice is mild to sweet.

  • Species Category: Plants
  • Species origin: Native
  • Conservation status: Common
    • Mandarin Trees can live for up to 30 years.
    • They can be used as hedges.
    • Annual pruning, once the tree reaches its desired height, will promote prolific fruiting
    • The leaves can be infused for a morning drink.
    • First fully open flower
    • Less than half the tree is in full flower
    • More than half the tree is in full flower
    • All of the tree is in full flower
    • No flowering
    • Less than half the tree has fruit
    • More than half the tree has fruit
    • All of the tree has fruit
    • No fruit
    • Green fruit present
    • Ripened fruit present

  • When to Look

    • Year round
    • Flowering can occur nearly year-round but mainly occurs after the winter months in spring. Multiple flowering periods can occur in the tropics.
    • Fruiting follows flowering.

     Where to Look

    • Grows well in sandy loam soil. 
    • In the tropics it grows best between 370 and 1550 m.

  • Similar Species

    All citrus have dark green and waxy leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. They can be differentiated by their fruit.
  • Trails: Albury Botanic Gardens NSW
  • Species Region: Vanuatu