Jebulon · CC0
About
The *Citrus reticulata*, commonly known as the mandarin orange, is a small, oblate citrus fruit prized for its sweet, strong flavor and thin, easily peelable skin. It is considered a pure ancestral citrus taxon and is the genetic ancestor of many commercially important hybrid citrus cultivars.
Field notes
Morphology
The tree is a moderate-sized specimen, reaching up to 7.6 meters in height, and features thorny trunks and major branches. The leaves are shiny and green, with short, almost wingless petioles. The fruit is small, measuring 40–80 millimeters, and ranges in color from orange to red-orange. The skin is thin and loose, with little white mesocarp, making it easy to peel and separate into segments.
Distribution & habitat
The wild mandarin evolved in a restricted region of South China and Vietnam. Domesticated forms are found in the Nanling Mountains, with northern and southern genetic clusters suggesting independent domestication.
Cultivation notes
The mandarin orange is tender and easily damaged by cold, and can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas.
History & etymology
The name mandarin orange is a calque of Swedish mandarin apelsin, which derives from German Apfelsine (Apfel + Sina), meaning Chinese apple. The Latin name *Citrus reticulata* means 'netted'.
Habitat
- Altitude
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- Altitude Class
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Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
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