Japanese Orixa (Orixa japonica)

Family: Rutaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Orixa japonica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Aromatic with a pleasant spicy odour. — Young leaves cooked.; Aromatic with a pleasant spicy odour.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, scrub and on cliffs, to 1300 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)