Clausena lansiumWampee

Clausena lansium, the Wampee, is a small evergreen citrus relative from southern China grown for aromatic foliage and grape-sized fruit with translucent flesh. Pinnate leaves with wavy-margined leaflets release a resinous scent when crushed, and terminal panicles of small fragrant flowers open in spring.

Its modest scale suits courtyards, edible landscapes and narrow street verges where a full-sized shade tree would be too much.

Specifications

• Height3 to 8 metres
• Width3 to 5 metres
• Native toSouthern China and northern Southeast Asia
• FoliagePinnate, aromatic leaves with wavy-margined leaflets; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers deep, fertile, well-drained loams but tolerates a range of soils
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; reliable water improves fruit set
• ClimateThrives in subtropical and tropical regions and tolerates light frost when mature

Additional Features

• FlowersSmall fragrant yellowish-white flowers in terminal panicles in spring
• FruitGrape-sized downy yellow-brown fruit with translucent flesh, edible
• UsesIdeal for courtyards, edible landscapes, small feature planting and narrow street verges
• SpacingPlant 4 to 6 metres apart for individual crowns
• Low MaintenancePrune lightly after fruiting to keep the crown open
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust; monitor for the pests common to citrus relatives
• Seasonal AppealFragrant spring flowering followed by a summer fruit crop

The Wampee packs fragrance, fruit and evergreen structure into a tree small enough for a courtyard or a verge.