Ichang Papeda - Citrus ichangensis

The Ichang papeda, in Latin Citrus ichangensis, is a citrus tree remarkable for its hardiness and good resistance to drought, which possesses all the physical characteristics of lemon trees, both in terms of its evergreen foliage and the sweet fragrance of its small white flowers with a touch of pink. Its small fruits, edible but not very juicy, have a yellow zest when ripe, aromatic, although less fragrant than that of the Yuzu. It is generally more appreciated for its ornamental value and its tolerance to unfavourable growing conditions than for the taste quality of its fruits. It may be the only species in the genus Citrus that can be reliably grown in the ground in temperate areas of Europe. A citrus tree that must be tried!

Citrus ichangensis, from the Rutaceae family, is one of the northernmost citrus trees. It originates from southwestern and central-western China, which have climates quite similar to those found in southern Europe. Capable of surviving brief frosts of around -15 °C in China, it performs very well in gardens even in central England, and its hardiness is fully proven to at least -10 °C.

It is a thorny bush with a bushy habit, as wide as it is tall, reaching an average size of 3.50m (11ft) in all directions at maturity. The young shoots are covered in thorns. Its leaves, thin and evergreen, purplish at budbreak, are 4 to 6 times longer than wide, spindle-shaped, pointed at their tips. The petioles of the leaves are wide, winged, and sometimes as long as the leaf itself. The flowers are campanulate, remarkably fragrant, small for a citrus tree, appearing in spring, in March-April depending on the climate, sometimes in May. The fruits resemble small round lemons that turn yellow when ripe. Their skin is moderately thick and aromatic. The flesh, divided into 8 segments, not very juicy, is yellow-white in colour and has a bitter or acidic taste, containing many easily germinating seeds of good size. It is rich in essential oils and very fragrant. The fruits are harvested in October-November when their concentration of essential oils is at its peak. It is a self-fertile bush which means that a single individual is sufficient for complete pollination and fruiting.  This citrus tree is one of the two parents of the Yuzu, which is highly appreciated for its fragrance.

The Ichang papeda can be used in cooking to enhance exotic or Creole dishes. The zest of this citrus tree adds a very subtle touch of lemongrass to poultry or desserts. The zest is sometimes used. Its juice is used in refreshing drinks, adding a slight touch of bitterness. Growing it in pots is neither necessary given the hardiness of the plant in many regions, nor recommended for this bush that can reach 4m (13ft) in all directions. In the garden, it can be integrated into an informal hedge, just like Poncirus trifoliata, Pseudocydonia sinensis, Maclura pomifera, unusual bushes that are both decorative and fruitful, and truly resistant. However, be careful not to plant it in a soil that is too chalky or waterlogged.

Like all Citrus trees, the Ichang papeda contains in its leaves, flowers, and fruits visible oil glands from which essential oil is extracted by distillation (flowers and leaves) or by pressing (zest), with a fragrance described as fresh, citrusy, tangy, with green notes.