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Citrus

(Redirected from Citrus fruits)

Species
Citrus maxima - Pomelo
Citrus medica - Citron
Citrus reticulata - Mandarin & Tangerine
Major hybrids
Citrus x aurantifolia - Lime
Citrus x aurantium - Bitter Orange
Citrus x bergamia - Bergamot
Citrus x hystrix - Kaffir Lime
Citrus x ichangensis - Ichang Lemon
Citrus x limon - Lemon
Citrus x limonia - Rangpur
Citrus x paradisi - Grapefruit
Citrus x sinensis - Sweet Orange
See also main text for other hybrids

Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, originating in tropical and subtropical southeast Asia. The genus contains three species, and numerous natural and cultivated origin hybrids, including commercially important fruit such as the orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, and tangerine. The taxonomy of the genus is complex, but recent genetic evidence (see e.g. external link cited below) supports the presence of only three species, C. maxima, C. medica and C. reticulata, with all the other taxa previously accepted as species being of hybrid origin between these three. They are large evergreen shrubs or small trees, reaching 5-15 m tall.

Citrus fruits are notable for their fragrance, and most are juice-laden. They contain a high proportion of citric acid giving them their characteristic astringent odour and flavour. They are also good sources of vitamin C. In botanical terms, "The fruit of all Citrus trees, in which the true fruit is the peel, [is] made up of an outer layer, brightly colored and rich in glands, a spongey whitish mesocarp , and a membraneous endocarp surrounding the segments. The succulent parts we eat is only a secondary tissue developed as a filler" - Paola Lanzara and Mariella Pizzetti Simon & Schuster's Guide to Trees, pp. 44.

As citrus trees hybridize very readily (e.g., seeds grown from limes can produce fruit similar to grapefruit), all commercial citrus cultivation uses trees produced by grafting the desired fruiting cultivars onto rootstocks selected for disease resistance and hardiness.

Culture

Citrus fruits
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Citrus fruits

Citrus trees are not generally frost hardy. A few hardy hybrids can withstand temperatures somewhat below freezing, but do not produce quality fruit. In the U.S., Florida, Texas, and California are major commercial citrus-producing regions, while smaller plantings are present in other Sun Belt states.

The trees do best in a consistently sunny, humid environment with fertile soil and adequate rainfall or irrigation. Though broadleaves, they are evergreen and do not drop leaves except when stressed. The trees blossom in the spring, and fruit is set shortly afterward. Fruit begins to ripen in fall or early winter months, depending on variety, and develops increasing sweetness afterward.

Citrus trees grown in tubs and wintered under cover were a feature of Renaissance gardens, once glass-making technology enabled sufficient expances of clear glass to be produced. The Orangerie at the Palace of the Louvre, 1617, inspired imitations that were not eclipsed until the development of the modern greenhouse in the 1840s. An orangery was a feature of royal and aristocratic residences through the 17th and 18th centuries. In the United States the earliest surviving orangery is at the Tayloe House, Mount Airy, Virginia.

Some modern hobbyists still grow dwarf citrus in containers or greenhouses in areas where it is too cold to grow it outdoors. Consistent climate, sufficient sunlight, and proper watering are crucial if the trees are to thrive and produce fruit. For cooler areas, lime and lemon tend to produce the best fruit, due to their lower sugar levels.

List of citrus fruits

External links

Citrus taxonomy (abstract)

Last updated: 05-24-2005 22:51:14
Last updated: 08-17-2005 04:46:05