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Aranis (Orange Tree)

Citrus sinensis

Aranis trees grow in the tropics and subtropics. It is a recent introduction to many of the Pacific Islands and has become naturalised in Vanuatu. There are four varieties of Aranis in Vanuatu. The tree grows to 12 m and often has spiny stems. It can have multiple flowering periods in the tropics, including year-round. It is a very good source of Vitamin C.

Leaves

Leaves are 10 cm in length and dark green. The shape is elliptic (a flattened oval) to ovate (egg-shaped), with the margins irregularly crenate (scalloped margin) or crenulate (serrated margin).

Flowers

Flowers are fragrant, white and 2 to 3 cm in diameter.

Fruit

Fruits are generally 8 to 10 cm in diameter but can be smaller or larger. The fruit is mildly sweet to sweet. The peel is greenish yellow to bright orange. A thick skin adheres to the flesh of the fruit.

  • Species Category: Plants
  • Species origin: Native
  • Conservation status: Common
    • Aranis is a very good source of Vitamin C.
    • Sweet orange trees that are produced from seeds will have fewer thorns as they mature.
    • 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 in spring. Multiple flowering periods can occur in the tropics.
    • Fruiting follows flowering.

     

    Where to Look

    • Found in most villages. 
    • In the tropics it grows best in medium to heavy textured soil and below 1600 m.
    • Areas that receive more than 900 mm per year are required for significant fruit production, unless irrigated. 

  • Similar Species

    All citrus have dark green and waxy leaves and sweet-smelling flowers. They can be differentiated by their fruit. 

    Similar orange species are the Wild Orange (C. macroptera) and the Sour Orange (C. aurantium). The Wild Orange grows to 5 m and is spiny, while the Sour Orange grows to 10 m and has short spines. The fruit of the Wild Orange is 6 to 7 cm in diameter and tastes acidic and bitter. The fruit of the Sour Orange is 5 cm in diameter and is very sour.
  • Trails: Albury Botanic Gardens NSW
  • Species Region: Vanuatu