Wild Orange refers to plants bearing fruit reminiscent of oranges. They are not necessarily associated to the Rubiaceae family which contain true oranges. Wild Orange, Capparis mitchellii, also known as Native Pomegranate and Bumble Tree is an evergreen, Australian indigenous plant that neither related to oranges or to the Osage-Orange, Maclura pomifera, known as "Wild Orange" in North America, but to capers.

Wild Orange is a tall shrub or small rounded tree reaching 5-8 meters in height, with a thick crown, black, deeply cracked bark and woolly, thorny branches. Young plants are spreading out irregularly and are very spiny, but older plants become straighter and have fewer spines.

Capparis mitchellii leaves are dull green, oval shaped, rigid, 2-6cm long and l-3cm wide. Flowers are attractive, large white or creamy-yellow with long projected stamens. Each flower only lives for a day but flowers can be found at any time of the year on trees.

The fruits that follow are round and green when immature and hang from the branches on long arching stalks. When mature they are purplish or dull orange, soft to the touch, sweet smelling, and usually about 4- 7cm across. The pulpy yellowish or orange flesh is the portion to eat. Fruit can be consumed raw or used in ice cream, mousse and cordials.

The Wild Oranges are a tasteful bush tucker food, although slightly astringent, and a good source of vitamin C and thiamine (vitamin B1). Indigenous Australians made regular use of it long before European arrival and still commonly consumed in the desert. The seeds and skin are inedible and should be removed from the flesh.

Capparis mitchellii favors a full sun location. It is suited to drier areas and will stand a range of soils including limestone. Capparis mitchellii while a drought and frost tolerant plant it will not tolerate bad drainage.

Tree propagation is from fresh seed or cuttings of firm wood. It is a slow growing tree. Capparis mitchellii is a member of the family Capparaceae the genus Capparis.

Wild Orange, Capparis mitchellii

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.