African Cherry Orange
Citropsis articulata
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Description
Citropsis articulata, commonly known as the African Cherry Orange, is a small, evergreen tree native to Central and West Africa. It thrives in tropical rainforests and is valued for its small, orange-like fruits. In agroecological systems, it serves as an understory tree, providing shade and habitat for beneficial insects. The dense foliage and fragrant flowers attract pollinators, enhancing biodiversity. Traditionally, the plant has been used in African herbal medicine, and its fruits contribute to food diversity. It pairs well with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and can be part of a guild with banana and cassava, supporting a multi-layered food forest system.
Growing Details
Citropsis articulata prefers well-drained, loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with organic materials helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It thrives in humid, tropical climates and benefits from partial to full sunlight. Companion plants include pigeon pea and banana, which can enhance soil fertility and provide structural support. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe for the best fla
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Citropsis articulata</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Central and West Africa
applicable geo region: Tropical Africa
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of September for 3 days
Harvest:
beginning
of December for 3 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of September
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The fruits of Citropsis articulata are edible and can be eaten fresh. They are also used in making juices and other beverages. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and can be harvested when fully ripe for optimal sweetness.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the roots and leaves of Citropsis articulata are used in African herbal medicine to treat fever and digestive issues. The roots are often boiled to make a decoction, while leaves can be used in infusions. Caution is advised as excessive use may lead to adverse effects.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of root decoctions may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
other uses: The plant can be used as a natural insect repellent due to its aromatic properties. Its dense foliage also makes it suitable for use as a windbreak in agroecological systems.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Citropsis articulata
common names: West African Cherry Orange; Uganda Cherry Ora
family: Rutaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Citropsis
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 3.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 18ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 20 years
succession:
growth rate: Medium
max height: 5.0 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Citropsis articulata prefers well-drained, loamy soils enriched with organic matter. Mulching with organic materials helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. It thrives in humid, tropical climates and benefits from partial to full sunlight. Companion plants include pigeon pea and banana, which can enhance soil fertility and provide structural support. Common mistakes include overwatering and poor drainage, which can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe for the best fla
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids and scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Neem oil and garlic sprays can be effective against scale insects. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes.
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