Poncirus trifoliata

Poncirus trifoliata is a thorny shrub native to China and Korea, belonging to the Rutaceae family. It can reach up to 2 to 4 meters in height and produces green, deciduous and serrated leaves. The fragrant white flowers with five petals appear in spring. They are followed by round, yellow-orange fruits called “poncires”. These are edible cooked but have a very bitter taste raw. The Poncirus trifoliata is often used as a rootstock for citrus because it is resistant to disease and pests. It can also be grown as an ornamental plant.