- Capparis mitchellii
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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.
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