Orangeberry

Glycosmis trifoliata

Orangeberry (also known as pink lime, pink berry and lime berry) is a native rainforest shrub or small tree and member of the citrus family producing small juicy pink berries. It’s a known host plant for swallowtail butterflies and may attract a variety of other garden pollinators. Orangeberry is endemic to tropical Queensland, extending from Cape York to as far south as Bundaberg.

Similar in appearance to small, pink grapes, the plump, succulent berries taste sweet with honey and resinous tones. Though the berries are best eaten fresh off the bush, they also make delicious honey-flavoured jams and jellies. Orangeberry leaves are used as a fermentation helper in the preparation of Cantonese kiu-tsee wine, made from rice and soybeans.

Clusters of small white flowers appear in late Spring, exuding a pleasant fragrance when they bloom. As the season progresses, these flowers are followed by small green berries. Harvest when the skin of the fruit turns a translucent pink.

Orangeberry is a thornless and hardy tree, tolerant of many growing conditions and soils. For best results, grow in full sun or part shade in a rich, loamy soil that drains easily. Once established, this tree can tolerate sandy soils but will need protection from frost and strong wind. Its aromatic leaves and scented flowers make this a novel and attractive addition to any bushfood garden.

This species grows between 2m and 6m tall with a 2-3m spread. As a slow grower, it’s suitable for pots and edible balcony gardens, and perfect for use in a mixed screen or as a standalone tree.

Do Orangeberry trees require much pruning?
This species is a slow grower and can be easily kept at a manageable size.

How often do I need to fertilise my Orangeberry?
You may have noticed that citrus trees in warmer areas can bear loads of fruit each year without much maintenance at all. However, for best results, we recommend applying a slow release citrus fertiliser or at the start of Spring.

My Orangeberry tree looks bushy and healthy, but I’m not getting any flowers or fruit. What’s going on?
Your plant may not be getting enough sunlight in its current spot. Try shifting it to a sunnier position or moving shade objects to allow more light through. If you fertilise your soil, switch to a fertiliser with a lower nitrogen (N) percentage.

The new leaves on my Orangeberry are curled up and covered with wavy white lines. What should I do?
This is caused by an insect called a Citrus Leaf Miner. Remove the affected foliage and spray new leaves with horticultural oil.