This is the seventh post in a new series, in which Hive account@papa-pepper will share about different plants that they plan on growing on the homestead, and why.

Our seventh featured plant is Trifoliate Citrus, which we are really excited about.

TRIFOLIATE CITRUS VIDEO

BACKGROUND

The Trifoliate Citrus (Citrus trifoliata) is a new plant to Hive account@papa-pepper that I have only been made aware of in the last month. You may have heard me mention some new friends that we have who enjoy many similar interests, and this plant is another one of the blessings that we have received because of them. They are also the ones who recently gave us our new sheep.

PLANT INFO

Our favorite thing about this particular citrus is that it is cold hardy to zone 6. This means that it can be grown in places like Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It can even tolerate some frost and snow!

The plant itself originally comes from Korea and China, and is often referred to as a "bitter orange." While many may not exactly appreciate the taste of this fruit, we have enjoyed a few fresh ones and actually did enjoy them. While it may be sour, it is still a good way to grow some citrus for Vitamin C and other nutritional purposes.

OTHER INFO

If you notice the thorns above, you may consider this plant to be somewhat less beneficial. However, these plants can be grown as an effective hedge. We will be looking into growing some living fences anyway, and edible living fences sounds even better.

There are also some medicinal uses for this plant as well. One of the most common uses of the Trifoliate Citrus is in treating allergic inflammation. Some also use it in treating toothaches and conjunctivitis.

PROPAGATION

This plant is best propagated by seed, and is even considered by some to be potentially invasive. Since each fruit can contain twenty or more seeds, it has incredible reproductive capabilities. If the fruit is not collected, a lot of new seedlings may soon be sprouting under the parent tree.

Another helpful use for this plant when it comes to propagation is to use it as a root stock for other citrus. Since it is cold hardy, other types of citrus fruit grafted onto it can potentially be grown in harsher and colder conditions than those that they would normally survive in.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

To just "happen upon" a citrus fruit that we can grow here in Arkansas was a huge blessing. Most likely, we will end up using it as a food, root stock, living fence and perhaps even a medicine. Also, perhaps we will be able to provide seeds or seedlings to others one day as we continue to propagate, grow, and look for a home-based income opportunities.

Has anyone else ever heard of this plant? Have you ever tried its fruit? Did you know that there was a type of citrus fruit that could grow in this zone?