The “Tachibana” orange has been native to Japan for centuries, thriving in the warm coastal climates from Okinawa to Shizuoka. Its population has dwindled, leading to its classification as a critically endangered species. It’s believed to have spread through ocean currents or migratory birds, given its prevalence in coastal areas.

The Tachibana is always lush with leaves regardless of the temperature, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. It is planted alongside cherry trees at the Kyoto Imperial Palace’s Shishinden. During the Edo period, many samurai used the Tachibana fruit and flower in their family crests, and the flower is also featured in the design of the Order of Culture, established in 1937. Additionally, the 500-yen coin features a Tachibana branch design next to the number 500.

Each fruit weighs about 30g, with a diameter of 2.5-3cm, and is quite small and flat. In Japan, it ripens to yellow from October to December. The “Kojiki” and “Nihon Shoki” chronicles mention a fruit called “Tokijiku no kaku no konomi,” believed to be the Tachibana, attributed with the power of immortality. According to legend, an individual named Taji Mamori was sent by Emperor Suinin to what is now southern China and India to retrieve it, but there are also claims that the Tachibana was already indigenous to Japan. Today, Taji Mamori is revered as the deity of citrus and sweets. Tachibana is a unique citrus species native to Japan, found in coastal mountains in Wakayama, Mie, and Yamaguchi prefectures, as well as in Shikoku and Kyushu regions.

Shipping Time(Seeds):December~April

Shipping Time(Plants):All Year