Shiva Mikan Mandarin

(Citrus leiocarpa)

Documented by Léo — grown in the ground, USDA zone 8b

Shiva Mikan mandarin (Citrus leiocarpa) is an old Japanese citrus, a hardy wild species traditionally grown in the mountain regions of Japan for centuries. Its tree hardiness reaches 10°F (−12°C), making it suitable for in-ground growing in USDA zone 8a. The tree reaches 6 to 13 ft (2 to 4 m) with a rounded habit, aromatic evergreen foliage, and very fragrant white flowers. Its yellow-orange fruit, small at 2 to 3 in (5 to 7 cm) and thin-skinned, ripens in fall and offers a tart, fragrant juice with complex notes blending wild mandarin and subtle floral notes. Several seeds. Valued more for its ornamental, genetic (parent of many hybrids), and cultural worth than for its directly edible pulp. Used in jam, marinade, and traditional Japanese cooking. Graft onto Poncirus trifoliata, plant against a south-facing wall.

Identity

OriginJapan

Genetic originBotanical species Citrus leiocarpa

USDA zone8a

Cold hardiness10°F (−12°C)

Fruit cold hardiness25°F (−4°C)

GrowthModerate

Height13 ft (4 m)

HarvestNovember, December

SeedsModerate

UsesJuice, Preserves, Savory cooking

FlavorsSlightly acidic, Sweet

History & Description

Origin

The Shiva Mikan is an old variety from Japan, botanically identified as Citrus leiocarpa. It is sometimes called 'Koji' or 'summer Mikan' although it ripens in winter, and has historically been grown for its sturdiness.

Tree description

The tree shows moderate but steady growth, with a rounded habit. It is especially valued for its very high cold resistance, rivaling some satsumas.

Fruit quality

It produces small yellow-orange mandarins with smooth, shiny skin. The fruits are easy to peel and give off a pleasant fragrance as soon as they are opened.

Flavor and ornamental interest

The taste is mild and sweet, with a slight touch of acidity that fades at full ripeness. It is an excellent garden mandarin for cold zones, offering a reliable, tasty harvest before the hard frosts.

Key points about Shiva Mikan Mandarin

In Europe, Shiva Mikan denotes an old, small, sweet, early mandarin historically grown around the Black Sea for its cold tolerance. Its exact identity varies among collections, so the clone must be checked before comparing hardiness claims.

Why choose it

Small, sweet, easy-to-peel mandarin.
Relatively early maturity.
Historical interest in the selection of cold-hardy citrus.

Its limits

Confused botanical and clonal identity.
Some seeds in the fruit.
Alternate bearing is reported.

Practical notes

Historical name: Citrus leiocarpa ‘Shiva Mikan’
Reported harvest: Fall to early winter
Uses: Fresh fruit and selection

Cold-hardiness reference: about 10°F (−12°C)

Historical rankings and nurseries suggest good tolerance, but they do not share a common test protocol; consider growing conditions and freeze duration.

Sources and method

The temperatures given are reference points for a mature tree with hardened wood. The table and callout repeat the same value as the profile. They guarantee neither freedom from damage nor a harvest after a freezing event.

Data reviewed on September 21, 2026.

Citrus World — Shiva Mikan — History, name, and relative cold hardiness
Kyushu University Institutional Repository — Historical discussion of Shiva-mikan’s identity
Agrumerie Vessière — Description of the commercial clone, fruit, and season