grasp the thorn?

[BUFFS]

has anyone grown one of those Japanese bitter orange trees? as they are advertised as being hardy enough for british winters. I like the thought of cutting a fruit off the tree and squeezing a few drops into iced gin and tonic (very strong taste so only a few drops needed).I read that the thorns are wicked but still, it would be nice to grow them, watch them develop ...and get the gin ready, tonics stocked up....happiness..

[skeggijon]

I haven't, although I manage to grow Lemons with some success - though they're not winter hardy of course and have to come inside.
They sound very tempting though and have just seen that they can be used to treat typhoid, haemorrhoids and constipation, which must make them worth growing!

[BUFFS]

I haven't, although I manage to grow Lemons with some success - though they're not winter hardy of course and have to come inside.
They sound very tempting though and have just seen that they can be used to treat typoid, haemorrhoids and constipation, which must make them worth growing!

I do hope you are not referring to the thorns when you say they can treat haemorrhoids!!!!!!even the thought makes me wince...

[skeggijon]

I think the thorns are the constipation cure

[BUFFS]

I think the thorns are the constipation cure

they would certainly have me "running".... for the hills asap...

[Bonsai Si]

has anyone grown one of those Japanese bitter orange trees? as they are advertised as being hardy enough for british winters. I like the thought of cutting a fruit off the tree and squeezing a few drops into iced gin and tonic (very strong taste so only a few drops needed).I read that the thorns are wicked but still, it would be nice to grow them, watch them develop ...and get the gin ready, tonics stocked up....happiness..

Calamondin?

[skeggijon]

^^^^ No, Calamondin are a true citrus. Japanese Bitter Orange are not really a citrus, although they have all the characteristics of one.

[Bonsai Si]

Ah, ok. =]

[yummersetter]

I planted one about four years ago - had to make a chicken-wire cage around it to prevent the dogs from losing an eyeball on the thorns. It grew a bit for the first year, stayed green but didn't grow for the next twelve months and is now dead as can be, I need to find good gloves and dig it out. I chose it after loving the one we saw daily on our walks through Ravenscourt Park in West London. The perfume from the flowers was so lovely in spring, and the little oranges were really striking. Kicking myself now because I was just around the corner last week and could have gone to take a look.