Pink Wampee (Clausena excavata)
Regular price $24.95Rare, Medicinal Tropical Fruit Tree
Pink Wampee (Clausena excavata), also known as Pink Clausen and Pink Citrus Berry, is a small, tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. A member of the Rutaceae family, Pink Wampee is valued both for its medicinal properties and its small, pink fruits. Although less commonly known than other tropical fruit trees, Pink Wampee is cherished in traditional medicine and is grown in gardens for its ornamental appeal.
The tree produces clusters of tiny, pinkish-red fruits that are tangy and slightly sweet. With its lush, aromatic foliage and attractive fruits, Pink Wampee is a unique addition to tropical and subtropical landscapes. It grows as a small, evergreen tree or shrub with a bushy, compact growth habit, typically reaching 6–15 ft. in height, making it suitable for small spaces or container growing.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Pink Wampee has a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asian medicine. Its leaves, bark, and roots have been used in folk remedies to treat a variety of ailments. In traditional herbal practices, the leaves, bark, and roots are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Herbal teas made from the leaves are traditionally used for fever, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments.
The small fruits are also valued for their culinary uses. Pink Wampee produces small, round berries that ripen from green to pink. The fruits have a tangy, citrus-like flavor with a hint of sweetness and can be eaten fresh or used in beverages and desserts. The fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and have been valued as a nutritious food with traditional immune-supporting benefits.
Why Grow Pink Wampee?
- Produces clusters of small, round fruits that ripen from green to pink
- Tangy, citrus-like fruit has a hint of sweetness and can be eaten fresh
- Fruits are versatile for beverages and fruit-based desserts
- Aromatic compound leaves release a pleasant fragrance when crushed
- Compact, bushy growth makes it suitable for small spaces and containers
Growing Tips
Pink Wampee is adaptable and not picky about soil, tolerating a wide range of conditions including the deep sand and limestone soils of southern Florida, though it thrives best in rich loam. Plant in full sun to part shade and provide regular moisture during dry periods. While Pink Wampee is drought tolerant once established, good drainage is essential. This subtropical to tropical evergreen fruit tree can reach up to 25 ft. and benefits from protection from frost when young. Young and mature trees have been scarcely hurt by brief exposure to temperatures around 28–30°F in Florida, but temperatures of 20°F and lower can kill the tree. Seedlings are grown from seed and can begin producing fruit in about 3 years. Fruits ripen in July and August, with mature trees capable of producing up to 100 lbs. (45 kg) of fruit in a season.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Clausena excavata |
| Common Names | Pink Wampee, Pink Clausen, Pink Citrus Berry |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical/Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree |
| Harvest Season | Summer, Fall |
| Fruit Ripening | July and August |
| Potential Yield | Mature trees may yield up to 100 lbs. (45 kg) of fruit per season |
| Mature Size | Up to 25 ft. |
| Soil & Moisture | Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including deep sand and limestone; thrives best in rich loam. Likes moisture but is drought tolerant; water during dry periods. 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+ |
| Cold Tolerance | Young and mature trees have been scarcely hurt by brief exposure to 28–30°F in Florida; temperatures of 20°F and lower can kill the tree |
| Propagation | Grown from seed |
| Time to Fruit | Seedlings bear fruit in approximately 3 years |
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