Description

General aspect and origins - Citrus unshiu is also known as the satsuma mandarin. It is a medium sized Citrus which is native to Japan. The white flowers are very fragrant and the mandarins rippen early.
Leaves - The satsuma mandarins are evergreen small to medium sized trees, often with a weeping aspect which is due to the weight of the mandarins at the tips of the branches. Leaves of satsuma trees are generally wider than other mandarin and tangerine leaves. (E.g. to be compared with Citrus deliciosa leaves, which are significantly narrower.)
Flowers - The satsumas are generally easy bloomers, with simple, white and very fragrant flowers in spring.
Fruits - The satsuma mandarin has many qualities : it is a juicy, sweet and almost seedless fruit. It rippens very early to early in autumn. The skin remains partly green, even when ripe. The flesh is orange, sweet, juicy and not very acidic.

Culture

Satsumas are relatively frost hardy Citrus trees, that will withstand brief frosts down to the low tweenties. (-7°C and less) It is thus a very interesting Citrus species for marginal areas, like USDA zones 8b and warmer, where it has been succesfully tried in sheltered places.
Soil - This Citrus needs a well-drained ground.

Propagation

Satsumas are propagated by cuttings or air layers. They are also often grafted on top of citranges or Poncirus trifoliata.