Clausena Lansium

Description

Clausena Lansium, commonly known as wampee tree, is an evergreen tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and is mainly grown in China, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. The wampee tree is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and produces small, round, and sweet fruits with a thin, edible skin.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The wampee tree has a dense, bushy crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 15 cm long. The leaves have a pungent odor when crushed. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruits are small, round, and have a diameter of about 2 cm. They have a thin, edible skin that ranges in color from green to yellow. The flesh of the fruit is translucent and juicy and has a sweet, sour taste.

Care Guide

The wampee tree requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for this tropical fruit tree:

Water: The wampee tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive growth and poor fruit quality.

Soil: The wampee tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red volcanic soil.

Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive and produce high-quality fruits. Ensure that it is planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Hardiness Zones: The wampee tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

The wampee tree is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including:

Fruit Fly: This pest lays its eggs on the fruit, which then hatch into maggots that feed on the flesh. To prevent fruit fly infestation, bag the fruits with a fine mesh or use insecticides.

Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the fruits and leaves. To prevent anthracnose, ensure that the tree is planted in a well-draining location and remove infected plant parts.

Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can lead to the death of the tree. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering the tree.

Habitat

The wampee tree is native to Southeast Asia and is mainly grown in China, Thailand, and Malaysia. It prefers a warm and humid climate and can grow in a range of soil types. The tree is often grown in home gardens and orchards and is also cultivated commercially for its fruits.

Question and Answer

Q: How long does it take for the wampee tree to bear fruit?
A: The wampee tree can start bearing fruit in as little as two to three years after planting.Q: Can the wampee tree be grown in pots?
A: Yes, the wampee tree can be grown in pots, but it may not produce as much fruit as a tree grown in the ground.Q: How do you know when the wampee fruits are ripe?
A: The wampee fruits are ripe when they turn from green to yellow and become slightly soft to the touch.Q: Is the wampee tree self-pollinating?
A: No, the wampee tree requires cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to the wampee tree:

• Citrus aurantium (Bitter Orange)
• Citrus limon (Lemon)
• Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange)
• Citrus reticulata (Mandarin)

References

• “Clausena lansium.” Floridata. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/999.
• “Wampee.” Purdue University. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/wampee.html.
• “Clausena lansium.” Plants for a Future. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Clausena+lansium.