David Hall · Public domain
About
The genus *Citrus* is renowned for its highly fragrant aromas and complex flavors, encompassing numerous varieties that have been developed through extensive hybridization. The species are generally large shrubs or small to moderate-sized trees, making them popular ornamental plants.
Field notes
Morphology
The plants are large shrubs or small to moderate-sized trees, reaching 5–15 m tall, with spiny shoots and alternately arranged evergreen leaves with an entire margin. The flowers are solitary or in small corymbs, measuring 2–4 cm in diameter, with five white petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a hesperidium, globose to elongated, measuring 4–30 cm long and 4–20 cm in diameter, featuring a leathery rind (pericarp).
Distribution & habitat
Native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, Island Southeast Asia, Near Oceania, and northeastern and central Australia.
History & etymology
The earliest introductions of citrus species occurred during the Austronesian expansion (c. 3000–1500 BCE), with species like *Citrus hystrix*, *Citrus macroptera*, and *Citrus maxima* being among the first carried by voyagers. The citron (*Citrus medica*) was also introduced early into the Mediterranean basin from India and Southeast Asia, with the earliest evidence of seeds recovered from Cyprus dating to around 1200 BCE.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Citrus chinotto with another species?
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