Kumquat, Round kumquat
Citrus japonica cv japonica

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It is thorny. It grows to about 4 m high. The leaves are simple and entire. They are up to 7 cm long. They have blunt tips. They are leathery. The flowers are white. The fruit are 3 cm across. They are smooth and shiny. They are divided into 4-7 compartments. They are yellow. The skin is thin and waxy and is spicy.

The Fortunella's will probably be renamed Citrus. There are 5 Fortunella species. These are now Citrus japonica.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in subtropical locations. In Nepal it grows between 1000-1500 m altitude. They can tolerate temperatures below freezing. They also show winter dormancy. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Fiji, Haiti, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Japan, Nepal, North Africa, Pacific, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit can be eaten whole or preserved. They are used for jams and jellies. (The seeds are removed)

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Chin-chin, Kam kat, Kamquat-redondo, Kim quat, Kin kuit, Kin, Kuit xu, Marumi kumquat, Muntala, Quat, Round Golden orange, Som cheet, Tac, Yuan Jingan

Synonyms

Citrus inermis Roxb.; Citrus japonica Thunb.; Citrus madurensis Lour.; Many synonyms in Flora of China.