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In a residential area on Queenstown Road in Battersea, a unique grapefruit tree stands as a tropical landmark outside of Kew Gardens, recently receiving special protection. This Tree Preservation Order (TPO) was granted following a campaign by locals who recognized its significance. The tree was brought to south-west London from Grenada in the 1980s by Marline Anderson, a resident of the area who passed away in June. Kemi Akinola, deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, expressed the council’s pleasure in preserving this cherished local landmark for future generations.
Marline Anderson’s impact on her community was profound, as she was beloved by her neighbors. The Wandsworth Council’s decision to honor her memory through the protection of the grapefruit tree reflects the council’s commitment to listening to the community’s wishes. This recognition is particularly significant during the borough’s year as London’s borough of culture, highlighting the contributions of individuals of African and Caribbean heritage in Wandsworth. Concerns were previously raised by residents about the potential threat of the tree being cut down, emphasizing the tree’s importance as a valuable landmark in the area.
To commemorate Marline Anderson’s legacy and the history of the grapefruit tree, a memorial plaque has been installed for passersby to learn about the tree’s origins. Ms. Anderson’s friend and neighbor, Vasilisa Ermakova, shared that it was Marline’s final wish to have a plaque installed on the tree, detailing its history and significance. The plaque features a message from Ms. Anderson urging people not to pick fruit from the tree but to only gather what nature allows to fall. Additionally, BBC London reporter Anna O’Neill attested to the delightful taste of the grapefruit, enjoying one for breakfast earlier in the week before the tree’s protection order was issued.
Despite the UK’s typically harsh winters, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) notes that it is uncommon for citrus trees like grapefruits to flourish outdoors in the country, even in milder areas such as London and the south-east. Grapefruit trees are described as slow-growing evergreen shrubs with glossy green leaves, producing fragrant white flowers year-round that may mature into large, pink-yellow fruit. The deep pink flesh of grapefruits is a result of high temperatures and the trees usually yield fruit once a year, with ripening occurring over 12 months following flowering in late spring or summer. The optimal height for grapefruit trees ranges from 2.5 to 4 meters (8-13 feet), with the RHS advising that these trees are more likely to succeed if cultivated in a greenhouse
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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