Atalantia buxifolia

Atalantia buxifolia, synonym Severinia buxifolia, is a species of plant in the family Rutaceae, related to Citrus and Citropsis. Its common names include Chinese box-orange, box orange or boxthorn. It is native to southern China. It produces small black berries that resemble black currants. The fruits are eaten by birds that disperse its seeds. It is an evergreen in the wild.

Description

A small spiny tree. It grows 6 m tall. The leaves are alternate and reduced to a single oblong leaflet 2.5 cm long. It is dark green. The flowers are very small and pure white. They are in clusters or 2-3 in the axils of the leaves. They have a scent. The fruit are round, black and about 1 cm long. They have several oval seeds.

Edible Uses

The leaves are used in the preparation of yeast cakes. The fruit is also edible.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used in the preparation of yeast cakes.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. It is best in full sun. It will grow well in alkaline or salty soils. It is often in thickets near the ocean. It grows up to 300 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, China*, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, USA, Vietnam,

Cultivation

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Jerukan cina, Tsau ping lak

References (7)

• Bircher, A. G. & Bircher, W. H., 2000, Encyclopedia of Fruit Trees and Edible Flowering Plants in Egypt and the Subtropics. AUC Press. p 47
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 221 (As Severinia buxifolia)
• Index sem. hort. neapol. app. 3. 1840 (As Severinia buxifolia)
• Martin, F. W., et al, 1987, Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics. USDA Handbook 642 p 75 (As Severinia buxifolia)
• Staples, G.W. and Herbst, D.R., 2005, A tropical Garden Flora. Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. p 510 (As Severinia buxifolia)

More from Rutaceae

Citrus bergamia

Bergamot

Citrus cavaleriei

Ichang Lemon

Citrus crenatifolia

Hin naran

Citrus deliciosa

Italian tangerine, Willow-leaf mandarin, Mediterranean mandarin, Mexerica, Mimosa, Mandarim

Citrus erythrosa

Calamandarin

Citrus glauca

Australian Desert Lime, Native Cumquat, Australian desert kumquat