Melicope ternata
J. R. Forst. & G. Forst.
Wharangi
(c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux
(c) janetpetricevich, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Resin, Gum
The plant produces an edible gum that is harvested for chewing. It has the added benefit of sweetening the breath.
Where to Find It
It is a temperate plant.
New Zealand*,
How to Identify
Melicope ternata is an evergreen tree reaching 6 m tall, hardy to UK zone 10 and frost tender. Foliage persists year-round with hermaphroditic, self-fertile flowers blooming September to October. The plant grows in light sandy or medium loamy soils with mildly acid to neutral pH. It tolerates semi-shade in light woodland or full sun and prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
An easily grown plant, but it only succeeds outdoors on a sunny wall in the warmest areas of Britain. It requires a sandy freely-draining lime-free soil and a position sheltered from hot drying winds. Plants are not very frost hardy and are often defoliated in cold winters. They are best grown in pots that are put outdoors in the summer and brought into a conservatory for the winter. The bruised leaves have a pungent smell of oranges.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow on under glass for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts, and consider providing frost protection for the first few winters outdoors. Alternatively, take cuttings of half-ripe wood in July or August and root in a frame.
Medicinal Uses
Used as an antihalitosis remedy.
Other Uses
The gum has no known uses beyond chewing. The plant is noted for its scent.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Melicope ternata, commonly known as wharangi, is a coastal shrub or small tree in the family Rutaceae that is native to New Zealand. Melicope ternata has glossy, green, trifoliate foliage and can grow into a tree 6 metres tall. It is found in coastal areas in the main islands of New Zealand and the North, South, Three Kings and Kermadec islands.
Names & Synonyms
Ternate-leaved melicope
References (3)
- Char. gen. pl. 56, t. 28. 1776
- Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 65
- Martin, F. W., et al, 1987, Perennial Edible Fruits of the Tropics. USDA Handbook 642 p 76
