| Orange Thorn | |
| Citriobatus pauciflorus (C. spinescens) | |
| a.k.a. Wallaby Apple, Native Orange |
A small, berry-sized, orange fruit, with a crunchy texture and mild, slighty sweet flavor.
Description: An evergreen, shrubby bush, generally growing to 3-4ft, sometimes up to 6ft. The shiny, small leaves grow on densely packed branches with tiny thorns. Fruits are borne in huge abundance and dominate the visual landscape of the bush during ripening season. A single 4ft bush may produce thousands of fruits in a single season. The plant will produce offshoots, but doesn't seem to spread much, if at all.
Hardiness: Exact hardiness is unknown, but it would appear to survive to at least 15-20F.
4ft tall orange-thorn growing in full-sun location
Growing Environment: Does nicely in warm-temperate or subtropical climates. It needs somewhat regular water during drought months, but can be left alone during rainy months. Grows well in full-sun and part-shade. Fertilization is uneccessary. Would likely make a good container specimen.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: The plant makes an attractive landscape specimen, particularly for its pretty, bright orange colored fruits, which are also edible. Owing to its thorns and dense growth habit, it makes for a nice barrier plant as well.
ripe fruits abound
Native Range: Native to scrub land regions of northern NSW and southern Queensland, Australia.