Mandarin
(Citrus reticulata)

Evergreen rounded tree with an open crown (5m x 4m) from Asia. Lance shaped shiny green leaves on winged petioles. Fragrant white flowers followed by loose skinned orange-like mandarin fruit from autumn depending on the variety. Useful for its fruit and as an ornamental. Prefers light well drained soil. Mulch under the canopy. Apply high nitrogen fertiliser in early summer. Varieties include ‘Ellendale’, ‘Imperial’ and ‘Emperor’. Harvest early mandarins as they ripen. May require pruning to remove dead and crowded wood. Thin fruit to avoid alternate year bearing.