Orangeberry (Glycosmis pentaphylla)

Glycosmis pentaphylla, orangeberry or anam, is a small citrus-family shrub common in hedges, forest undergrowth and village edges across India. It bears tiny, translucent pink berries that are sweet and edible. Its twigs have been used as toothbrushes, and its leaves feed the caterpillars of several swallowtail butterflies.

Botanical name: Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC.
Family: Rutaceae
Tamil: Anam
Hindi: Ban nimbu
Parts used: Ripe fruit, Leaf (household)
Habit: Hedge orangeberry; lime is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-26

How to recognise Orangeberry

It is a shrub or small tree with leaves of three to five glossy, oval leaflets, though some leaves have one or two. They are dotted with oil glands.

Small white, fragrant flowers grow in clusters at the leaf axils.

The berries are small, round and pinkish-white to translucent pink when ripe, with a sweet, slightly resinous taste.

Wild lime, Atalantia monophylla, has single leaflets and spines. Glycosmis is spineless.

It flowers and fruits for much of the year, so ripe pink berries and white flowers are often seen together.

Traditional use of Orangeberry

Household

Children and villagers eat the ripe berries, and the twigs are chewed as toothbrushes.

Indian village practice

Folk practice

Leaves and roots appear in folk preparations in India and Southeast Asia.

South and Southeast Asian practice

Modern notes on Orangeberry

Phytochemical studies report alkaloids and essential oils in the leaves. There is no established clinical use.

It is a host plant for citrus butterflies, making it valuable in butterfly gardens.

Orangeberry safety

Eat only ripe berries in small amounts.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows across tropical Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to southern China and Southeast Asia.

Birds eat the berries and spread the seeds into hedges and forest edges.

Swallowtail caterpillars, such as those of the common Mormon and lime butterfly, feed on its leaves.

It tolerates shade, so it is common in the undergrowth of forests, groves and old gardens.

Related plants

Also in Rutaceae

Questions about Orangeberry

Is Orangeberry a lime?

No. It is a citrus relative with small sweet berries.

What older names does Glycosmis pentaphylla go by?

Limonia pentaphylla.

Are the berries of Orangeberry edible?

Yes, when ripe and pink.

Is Orangeberry good for a butterfly garden?

Yes. It feeds swallowtail caterpillars and its flowers attract small insects.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.