Capparis mitchellii | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Rosids |
Order: | Brassicales |
Family: | Capparaceae |
Genus: | Capparis |
Species: | C. mitchellii |
Binomial name | |
Capparis mitchelii |
|
Synonyms | |
Capparis mitchelii (lapsus) |
The "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.