The trifoliate orange not only has the three-part leaves that give it its name, but also thorns, which is why it is often planted as a hedge. Depending on the source, it is also classified as a citrus fruit (Citrus), which is why it is also listed under the synonym Citrus trifoliata. This species is mainly used as a rootstock for citrus plants, but the fruits are also edible. However, because they taste extremely bitter and resinous, they are not normally eaten as fresh fruit. A jam made from the fruit is certainly something very special – but not to everyone’s taste. Dried and ground, the fruit is used as a spice. The trifoliate orange can be crossed with other citrus fruits to produce edible varieties.

• Edible fruits
• Type of fruit Hesperidium
• Culinary Group citrus fruits spices and flavours
• Taste bitter aromatic
• Trivial names Dreiblättrige Orange, Bitterorange, Bitterzitrone, Trifoliate orange, Japanese bitter-orange, Karatachi, Hardy orange, Chinese bitter orange, Citronnier épineux, Oranger trifolié
• Size 5 cm
• Taxonomy Rutaceae (rue family) Poncirus trifoliata
• Origin East Asia (Map)
• Location Palmengarten Frankfurt (FRP) 2020