Today I planted a wild citrus endemic to Japan called tachibana. The tree and fruits are mentioned in poetry from the early Japanese Ryukyuu kingdoms. The tree produces very fragrant flowers and was the motif for many Tachibana family crest designs. The fruit is similar to a mandarin orange but it is extremely bitter, dry and stringy and for most people it is considered inedible. However, it makes a great marmalade so this would make a great addition to the chocolate making project. Among all the different types of mandarin oranges this is the most hardiest variety.
Originally posted on 2021-10-05, part of the daily planting journal behind Ha’a Chocolate’s food forest on Hawai’i Island.