Chinese Mandarin Tree - Citrus myrtifolia

The Chinese Mandarin tree, Citrus myrtifolia in Latin, is a small, very ornamental and fragrant tree that is vigorous. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is more similar to Citrus aurantium: the small orange fruits called chinottos have the appearance of small mandarins, but the smell and taste are those of bitter oranges, and are more commonly used in the making of delicious jams.

This slow-growing and compact tree has small, pointed and evergreen green leaves, hence its name "orange with myrtle leaves". Its numerous white flowers are very fragrant and decorative. This excellent bush has good hardiness down to -10°C (14°F). It can be grown in the ground in regions with a mild enough climate; elsewhere, it is best to keep it in a large container, protected from frost in a greenhouse or conservatory. The fruits are harvested from November to January, when ripe.

The Chinese Mandarin tree is a tree native to China. Cultivated for its ornamental qualities and its small fruits called "chinottos" or "chinettes", it can reach 3m (10ft) in height in the ground. With its spreading rounded habit, it showcases its beautiful dense and evergreen foliage. Its leaves are elongated, pointed, shiny on top, ranging from a bright green to a deep green, and very fragrant.

It produces small, very fragrant white flowers that give way to round, slightly flattened fruits with a bitter flesh. They take on a beautiful orange hue thanks to the first frost. They are harvested from November to January, when ripe.
Like all Citrus trees, the Chinese Mandarin tree contains essential oil glands in its leaves, flowers, and fruits, often visible to the naked eye, from which essential oil is extracted through distillation (flowers and leaves) or pressing (zest).

Most citrus trees thrive in the ground in Mediterranean coastal regions, where they find the necessary warmth all year round. Elsewhere, they will be grown in pots and stored away at the first signs of cold weather. Moderately hardy, the Chinese Mandarin tree begins to suffer from the cold at -7°C (19.4°F).

The Chinese Mandarin tree blooms in November and December and bears fruit from October to March. It is a self-fertile bush, which means that a single individual is sufficient for complete pollination and fruiting. However, if your citrus tree remains indoors permanently, you will need to occasionally let the pollinators do their work or, if you feel delicate enough, perform hand pollination with a brush.