Capparis mitchellii – Native Orange

: Capparis mitchellii – native orange

: Capparis mitchellii – native orange

A small tree from Western New South Wales, it is a good bush tucker plant. It grows to around six to eight metres high, and likes a sandy to clay loam soil with very good drainage in a sunny spot. Related to capers, it has large fluffy white to cream flowers followed by green fruit. When the fruit ripens, the skin goes a dull purple to orange colour. The flesh becomes yellow to orange and soft, with a fragrant smell. It is eaten raw, or used in cooking, and is high in Vitamin C. The seeds are peppery, so are usually discarded. The plant is slow growing, thorny, and has dull grey green leaves and dark furrowed bark. Drought and frost tolerant, but doesn’t like humidity.

Note– due to the thorns, this plant should not be used where it could cause harm

Family:	Capparaceae
Scientific Name:	Capparis mitchellii
Common Name:	Native Orange
Other Common Names:	Native Pomegranate, Bumble Tree
Plant Type:	Small tree
Height:	5 ~ 8 metres
Width:	4 ~ 6 metres
Flower Colour:	White, Cream
Flowering Time:	All year
Ph Level:	Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type:	Sandy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil
Plant Environment:	Drought resistant
Climate Zone:	Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid, Arid
Light:	Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit:	Evergreen, Spreading
Soil Moisture:	Dry, Well-drained
Propagation Method:	Seed
Frost Tolerance:	Tolerates light frost
Plant Usage:	Screen, Windbreak
Special Features:	Edible, Decorative fruit
Attracts Wildlife:	Bees, Seed eating birds, Other insects

The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>

WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT

Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-

The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW

Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW

IndigiGrow- Sydney- NSW

Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW

Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW

Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW

Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW

Cool Country Natives – ACT

Geelong Native Plants – Victoria

Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria

Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland

Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland