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.