Full List of Fruits Wild orange fruit
Introduction of Wild orange Nutritional Value of Wild orange Health Benefits of Wild orange Cultural value Cultivation
Wild orange fruit
Scientific name - Capparis mitchelii
Widespread in western New South Wales, the wild orange is an Australian indigenous plant which falls into the category of tasty bush tucker food. Long before European arrival, native Australians made use of the fruit on a regular basis. With an opaque crown and profoundly creviced black bark, they are a tall shrub or small rounded tree that grows up to 5-8 meters in height. Unkempt and thorny, the young plants are quite difficult to handle on the other hand; older plants become more erect and have fewer thorns. Mid to late summer is the best time for the fruit. Green when unripe, as the fruit ripens, it turns out to be very soft featuring yellow to orange in color and has a great aromatic smell. Sometimes they are purplish or dull orange in color, soft to touch, they are generally about 4- 7cm across and the yellowish flesh is the one to be consumed in that. Having firm leaves, they are dull green in color and are oval in shape, 2-6cm x l-3cm; clothe the woolly, spiny branches. Although a bit astringent, they are appetizing to taste, the skin of the fruit should be peeled off before eating and they are bitter to taste. Seeds of the fruit should also be removed from the flesh. The fruit can either be had together with desserts or eaten raw; it can also be added to dishes like curries, rice and couscous.
Nutritional Value of Wild orange
| Total Fat 1.3g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat -1g | -5% |
| Cholesterol -1mg | -0% |
| Sodium 7mg | 0% |
| Total Carb 16.4g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.4g | 46% |
| Sugars -1g | |
| Protein 5.8g | 12% |
| Vitamin A -0% | Vitamin C 123% |
| Calcium 5% | Iron 4% |
Health Benefits of Wild orange
Offering the most dynamic fragrances of essential oils, wild oranges have a combination of proven antifungal, antibacterial, and antidepressant properties which make them one of the most powerful and perfumed oils to make use of. They are known for relieving stress and are an excellent source of sterilizing and killing fungus and pathogens. Predominantly used in the treatment of anorexia, they are also used as an anti-cancer agent. They are highly suggested to use during the early stages of cold and flu. They are both stimulating and uplifting, while being sedative by instilling feelings of peace.
Pervasively identified for its economic, conservation and cultural value, Capparis mitchelii is naturally drought resistant and it is this factor that makes them suitable for use in Australian agro-forestry. Acting as a vital support for the arid ecosystem, where it performs the host tree for the Caper White butterfly and shade provider from heat. More to the point, the plant has all potentialities for improving diets, due to its high level of vitamin C. With all that said, they are listed as one of 21 native species which have been considered as valuable plants in the confectionery, flavoring and preservative industries. As a matter of fact, it is an important Australian native plant worthy of development and cultivation.
The plant best thrives in a full sun position and it requires a well-drained soil and can’t tolerate bad drainage. Sow seed in warmer parts of the year 1-2cm less than the facade of a good seed raising mix. It is good to keep moist until germination in the first 1-6 weeks. During the warmer months, it requires regular watering and it is said to respond well when watered during the colder months in most areas. They are frost and drought hardy.
