Musk lime, Panama orange
Citrus microcarpa

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows about 3-4 m tall. The branches are thorny. The leaves are slightly shiny and simple. The tip has a small notch. The leaf stalks have narrow wings. The flowers are small and white. They have 5 petals. The fruits are small. They are round and 2.5-4 cm across. They have a smooth thin skin. Fruit are green when young but turn yellow or orange when ripe. Each fruit has 6-8 segments. These often contain seeds.

There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed. This is probably a hybrid between Citrus reticulata and Citrus (Fortunella) japonica.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow naturally in sandy soil near the coast. At MARDI.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Fiji, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, South America, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fruit are sour so are used for drinks or pickled.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Trees can be grown from seed. Trees can be grown by cuttings and air layering.

The tree fruits all year round.

Its other names

Local names

Calamondin, Four Seasons Orange, Kalamansi, Limau Kesturi, Siji Ju

Synonyms

Citrofortunella microcarpa (Bunge) Wijnands; Citrus microcarpa Bunge; Citrus mitis Blanco;