Citronelle, Rough Lemon
Citrus x jambhiri
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
It is probably a hybrid between lemon and citron. A small tree. It grows 5 m high. The branches have stiff, stout spines. These can be 2 cm long. The leaves have a lemon scent. The leaf stalk is 3-10 mm long. It has a slight channel but no wings. The leaf blade is narrowly oval and 7-11 cm long by 3.5-6 cm wide. There are teeth around the edge. The flowers can be clustered or occur singly. The sepals are 1-1.5 mm long and the petals 1.5 cm long. They are white. The fruit is almost round or oval and 10 cm long. It is yellow. It has a thick, rough skin with gland dots on it. There is a cone shaped lump at the end.
There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed. This is probably a hybrid between Citrus medica and Citrus reticulata. The name is probably Citrus x jambhiri.
Where it is found
It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. It is cold hardy and will grow on clay soils.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Hawaii, India, Norfolk Island, Northeastern India, South America, Suriname, USA
How it is used for food
The skin or rind is used for making jams and for flavouring. The fruit is occasionally eaten. The young fruit are used for pickles.
Edible parts
Skin, fruit
How it is grown
It is often grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Bush lemon, Citrinolle, Jambhiri, Jamburi, Jatti khatti, Khatti, Mazoe lemon, Ramser, Ser, Rough lemmon, Shohmyndong, Thaisa maikhri, Wild lemon