Capparis mitchellii
Appearance
Capparis mitchellii | |
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Species: | C. mitchellii
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Binomial name | |
Capparis mitchelii | |
Synonyms | |
Capparis mitchelii (lapsus) |
"Wild Orange" is an Australian native plant. Its scientific name is Capparis mitchellii; it is not related to oranges and neither to the Osage-orange which is known as "wild orange" in North America, but to capers. Its name in the Arrernte language of Central Australia is merne atwakeye.
Wild oranges are a tasty bush tucker food. Indigenous Australians made frequent use of it long before European arrival. It is green when unripe. When it ripens, it becomes soft and has a fragrant smell. The inside is yellow or orange. It is still commonly eaten in the desert today.