Grapefruit tree planted on London street given protected status

A grapefruit tree thought to be the only one of its kind in the UK growing outside of Kew Gardens has been granted additional protection.

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) has been issued to the tropical landmark on Queenstown Road in Battersea following a campaign by locals.

It was brought from Grenada to south-west London as a sapling in the 1980s by one of the streets residents, Marline Anderson, who died in June.

Kemi Akinola, deputy leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "We were very pleased to grant the TPO and ensure that this beloved local landmark stands for generations to come."

Ms Akinola added: "Marline was much-loved by her neighbours and were proud to have listened to the wishes of the community.

"In our year as London borough of culture, its great to recognise the contribution that people of African and Caribbean heritage have made to Wandsworth."

Residents had previously told the BBC of their fears it could be chopped down, describing it as "a brilliant landmark".

A memorial plaque has been put in place to remember Ms Anderson and to explain the trees history to anyone walking by.

"Her last wish was for me to do a plaque on the tree to say where its from, and why she planted it," said Ms Andersons friend and neighbour Vasilisa Ermakova.

There is a message on it from Ms Anderson, which reads: "Kindly refrain from picking from the tree. You are welcome to gather what nature has let fall."

So how tasty is the fruit?

"I was given one and ate it for breakfast on Wednesday and it was delicious," confirmed BBC London reporter Anna ONeill, who visited the tree earlier this week before it received the protection order.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says it is not common for citrus trees like grapefruits to thrive outdoors through the UKs winters - even in warmer regions like London and the south east.

It describes the trees as "a slow-growing evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves".

"It has fragrant white flowers, at almost any time of year which may develop into large, round pink-yellow fruit.

"The flesh is deep pink but this colouring is only produced after high temperatures."

Grapefruit trees in the UK typically fruit once a year, with ripening taking up to 12 months after flowering in late spring or summer.

The ultimate height of grapefruit is between 2.5 and 4 metres (8 -13ft ), the RHS said.

The society advises growers that these trees are more likely to succeed if grown in a greenhouse.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk