Wampee (Clausena lansium)
Wampee, or Wampi, is a small, aromatic, evergreen tree in the citrus family (Rutaceae), native to Southeast Asia. Its shiny, dark green leaves smell like anise when they’re bruised, and the sweetly fragrant, greenish-white flowers develop into oval, edible fruits that ripen in the summer. Wampee grows from 10 to 25 feet high and is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
The yellow, oval fruits grow in clusters on the branches and become sweeter as they ripen. Their tart, citrus-like skin, and sweet, juicy pulp are similar to their kumquat relatives, and they can be eaten raw, preserved, or made into jellies, fruit drinks, and pies. The fragrant Wampee leaves are used in curries, and the leaves, fruits, seeds, and roots are used in Southeast Asian medicine.
Wampee grows in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-draining soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. It is not particular about soil type and may be tolerant of salt spray. Water while the tree is establishing and during dry periods, and be careful of pruning since the fruits develop on terminal branches.
Plant Type
Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season
Summer, Fall
The fruits ripen in July and August. Mature trees may yield 100 lbs (45 kg) of fruits in a season.
Soil & Moisture
Pink Wampee is not picky about soil! It's quite tolerant of a range of soils, including the deep sand and limestone of southern Florida but thrives best in rich loam. Likes moisture but is also drought tolerant. It requires watering in dry periods though good drainage is essential.
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile
Yes
Growth Rate
Medium
Zone Hardiness
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection until mature; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Pink Wamppe is subtropical to tropical, and young and mature trees have been scarcely hurt by brief exposure to 28º to 30º F in Florida, but they have been killed at temperatures of 20º F and lower.
Propagation
Grown from seed. Seedlings bear fruit in 3 years.
