David Hall · Public domain
About
This page provides general information about the genus *Citrus*, detailing its evolutionary history, taxonomy, and general characteristics, rather than focusing on a specific species like *Citrus pursha*.
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. 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 South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Australia. The center of origin is likely the southeast foothills of the Himalayas, stretching from eastern Assam, northern Myanmar, to western Yunnan.
History & etymology
The earliest introductions of citrus species occurred during the Austronesian expansion (c. 3000–1500 BCE). The citron (*Citrus medica*) was introduced into the Mediterranean basin from India and Southeast Asia, with the earliest evidence of seeds found in Cyprus around 1200 BCE. The first complete description of the citron was written by Theophrastus, c. 310 BCE.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
Crossed Citrus pursha with another species?
Register the cross — if it's not yet documented you'll be the first contributor. If someone already registered it, you'll be redirected to add your photo.