Citron
Citrus medica

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows up to 3-5 m high and spreads to 2 m across. The stem is stout, erect and thorny. The leaves are green and 20 cm x 10 cm. The tree has fat spines. The leaves have teeth along the edge. The leaf stalk does not have wings. The flowers are white, star shaped and with 5 petals. They have a scent. The fruit are large and long, with a rough skin. The fruit grows to 15-25 cm long by 10-15 cm wide. The flesh is white. The fruit does not have a lot of juice. There are several named cultivated varieties.

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

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. It prefers rich, moist soils. The soils need to be well aerated and not waterlogged. They should be in a protected sunny position. They are drought and frost tender. It needs temperatures between 12°C and 35°C. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Central America, China, Colombia, Congo DR, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji, Greece, Guinea, Guinée, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tibet, Tonga, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The thick layer of inner white skin is used as candied peel. It is also added to salads and used in fruit cakes. The juice of some kinds is used for drinks. The fruit are used for marmalade. Caution: The fruit contain coumarin that with sunlight can cause dermatitis in some people.

Fruit are sold in markets. It is common in some Mediterranean countries. Trees and fruit are only occasionally seen in Papua New Guinea. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, herb, spice, leaves

How it is grown

Trees can be grown by seed, cuttings or grafting. Seed should germinate in 21 days. Cuttings of 2-4 year old branches are used. Air-layering can be used. A spacing of 5-7 m is suitable.

It is slow growing. It is fairly short lived. Trees begin to bear when 3 years old. Trees reach peak production when 15 years old and may live for 25 years. Trees can produce 2,000 fruit in a year.

Its other names

Local names

Bara nibu, Bara nimbu, Begpura, Bibira, Bijaira, Bijoru, Bimiro, Bodu lunboa, Cedrat, Cidra, Cidron, Fragrant citrus, Gargal, Gilam, Hingkom, Jamir, Jara tenga, Jeruk bodong, Kadaranarathai, Kebbat, Kogilacham, Lapnaram, Lima, Limau susu, Lungamu, Madala, Mahalunga, Mahaphala, Maha-ratadehi, Matalanarakam, Mavalung, Nanya sepen, Nareng, asi, Narthangai, Palsak, Pat lebu, Reak sa'reak kraha'm, Rusaka, Rusakam, Satkora, Shauk-thakwa, Sideran, Siderang, So-manong, Sucade, Taw-shauk, Tipolo, Tume han thar, Turanj, Voamandina, Voasary gasy, Voatonlongo, Wichilla limon, Xiang Yuan, Yuzu

Synonyms

Citrus aurantium L. var. medica Wight & Arnott; Citrus crassa Hasskarl; Citrus hassaku Yu.Tanaka; Citrus limetta Risso; and many others