Canton lemon
Citrus reticulata x C. aurantiifolia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

This is probably a hybrid of the mandarin lime and the true lime. It is a spreading bush. It is a small tree 2.4-4.5 m tall and spreading 3 m wide. It has prickly branches. It develops suckers unless grafted onto a non suckering rootstock. The leaves are pale green when young. The fruit are small and thin skinned. They are greenish yellow with a green pulp. The Rangpur develops a deep orange colour but the Kusaie does not. The fruit are acid to taste. The segments separate easily.

There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Central America, China, Hawaii, India, Mexico, North America, Pacific, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit can be used for juice or marmalade.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is fast growing. Trees start to fruit after 2-3 years. Fruit can be stored on the tree for several weeks. A single tree can produce 2,000 fruit or 90 kg of fruit in a year.

Its other names

Local names

Kusaie, Rangpur

Synonyms

Limonia aurantiifolia; Probably now Citrus x limonia;