Satsuma mandarin, Satsuma orange
Citrus unshiu

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It has spines. It grows 3-4 m high. The leaves are thin and slightly leathery. They are smooth, and shiny on the upper surface. They are 4-8 cm long. The leaf stalk is 2-4 cm long and has wings. The flowers can occur singly or in small groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit are round and have a thin skin. The fruit has segments that separate easily and a skin that is easily removed. They do not have seeds.

There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed. It has anticancer properties.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate cold to -11°C.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Brazil, Caucasus, China, Colombia, Georgia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh or as juice. The skin is used for juice drinks. It is also canned and bottled as a frozen juice.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Gyul, Japanese mandarin, Satsuma tangerine, Tangerina-japonesa, Tangerina-satsuma, Unshiu mikan

Synonyms

Citrus nobilis var. unshiu Swingle;