Orange Thorn, Citriobatus pauciflorus, also known as Orange Berry, Wallaby Apple and Native Orange, is a small evergreen, shrubby thorny fruit bearing bush, indigenous to rain-forest regions of Australia, reaching a height of about two meters. It is hardy plant to short freezes, will endure temperatures to at least -8°C and it is mildly drought tolerant.


Citriobatus pauciflorus is a member of the family Pittosporaceae the genus Pittosporum does nicely in warm-temperate or sub tropical climates. It requires some water during drought months, but can be left alone on rainy months.

The Orange Thorn forms a dense thicket as new plants grow from fallen fruit and will develop offshoots, but does not appear to spread much, if at all. The young shoots are frequently copper colored.

Citriobatus pauciflorus leaves are small, alternate, almost round, less than 1.5 cm long, rigid and glossy with 3-5 small teeth. They are carried horizontally on the stems and form thickly packed branches. New leaves begin as a deep red. Flowers are small, white, 5-petaled, bell-shaped, born in late winter to early springtime.

The 3cm in diameter bright orange fruit of the Orange Thorn tree is edible, with a very mild and slightly sweet flavor. Fruit appears in winter, have a thin rind with pulp (no flesh as such) which has an agreeable aroma and contains several seeds depending upon the size of the fruit.

The orange round fruits are produced in abundance and rule the visual landscape of the bush during the ripening time of year. An individual 1.5 meters bush could produce thousands of fruits in a single season.

Tree propagation is by seed. Germination commonly takes place inside 1-2 months but the plant is slow growing. Orange Thorn makes a beautiful landscape specimen, especially for its pretty, orange colored edible fruits. It would in all likelihood make a good container specimen also.

The tree grows well in full-sun and part-shade. Fertilization is unnecessary. Due to its spines and dense growth habit, it makes for a nice barrier plant as well.


Orange Thorn, Citriobatus pauciflorus

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