London grapefruit tree given protected status

The grapefruit tree is on Queenstown Road in Battersea

A grapefruit tree that is one of a few 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 street's 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."

Marline Anderson brought the tree to the UK as a sapling

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

"In our year as London borough of culture, it's 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 remembers Marline

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

"Her last wish was for me to do a plaque on the tree to say where it's from, and why she planted it," said Ms Anderson's 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 O'Neill, who visited the tree earlier this week before it received the protection order.

How common are grapefruits in the UK?

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says it is not common for citrus trees like grapefruits to thrive outdoors through the UK's 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.