Ichang Lemon
Citrus cavaleriei

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 2-10 m tall. It has sharp thorns. The leaf stalks have very wide wings. The fruit are like lemons. They have 8-11 segments. The skin is rough. The seeds are large.

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

Where it is found

It grows at high altitudes in tropical places. In southern China it grows up to 2,500 m above sea level. It is cold hardy. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China (country/location of origin), India, Indochina, Myanmar, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for drinks. They are juicy and acid and are sometimes eaten. They are also pickled.

It is sometimes cultivated and there are some named varieties.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

In China it flowers March to June and fruits October to December.

Its other names

Local names

Ichang papeda, Yichang Cheng

Synonyms

Citrus x aurantium subsp. ichangensis (Swingle) Guillaumin; Citrus hongheensis Y. Ye et al; Citrus ichangensis Swingle; Citrus macrosperma T. C. Guo & Y. M. Ye;