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Summary
Citrus fruits are well-suited to Mediterranean climates, with the region being known for producing some of the world's best citrus. Oranges (C. sinensis), Bitter Oranges (C. aurantium), Lemons (C. limon), Limes, Grapefruits (C. x paradisi), and Mandarins (C. reticulata) are all commonly grown in the Mediterranean. Some popular varieties of oranges include Valencia, Navel, and blood oranges. For lemons, Eureka and Lisbon varieties are recommended. Citrus trees that can thrive in an arid climate include Oroblanco Grapefruit, Desert Lime, Mexican Lime, Pummelo, and Calamondin. These varieties are well-suited to hot and dry conditions and can be grown in areas with low rainfall. Oroblanco grapefruit is a thick-rinded variety with sweet and juicy flesh. Pummelo is similar to grapefruit but has a milder flavour, and Calamondin produces small, sour fruits that are often used in cooking and as a garnish. Desert lime produces small, tangy fruits with a distinctive flavour, and Mexican lime is known for its strong acidic taste and tolerance to heat and drought.
Physical Characteristics
Citrus_x_paradisi is an evergreen Tree growing to 7 m (23ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
None known
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw. The large fruit is commonly eaten raw, especially as a breakfast food[ 418 ]. It can also be added to fruit salads, or made into juices, marmalade etc[ 301 , 317 ]. A thick-skinned fruit, the pulp has a flavour that mixes acid, sweet and bitter[ 416 ]. The round fruit can be up to 15cm in diameter[ 418 ]. The fruit is commonly used to make juices[ 317 ]. The peel is candied and used in cakes etc[ 301 ]. It is also used as a source of pectin[ 317 ]. An essential oil obtained from the peel is used as a flavouring in soft drinks, chewing gum, sweets, baked goods, ice cream etc[ 301 , 317 , 418 ]. An oil can be obtained from the seed. When refined, it makes a good culinary oil[ 301 , 317 ].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
The fruits, flowers and leaves are all used medicinally[ 317 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Agroforestry uses: Citrus species can be used in agroforestry systems as shade trees, providing dappled light for understory crops. They also improve biodiversity by attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. Additionally, the fruits can be a valuable cash crop. Other Uses: An oil is obtained from the seeds[ 46 ]. Used in dyeing cotton goods and for making a medium-hard soap with good lathering qualities[ 46 ]. Container, Espalier, Standard, Specimen. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen:
Yes – Citrus flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, making them attractive to pollinators like bees.
2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting):
Yes – The fruits are a food source for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. The dense foliage of citrus trees can also provide shelter for nesting and roosting birds.
3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover):
Yes – The dense leaf litter under citrus trees can offer overwintering sites for invertebrates, and beneficial insects can use the rough bark of mature trees.
4. Pest Confuser (Smell):
Yes – The strong citrus scent from the leaves and fruit can act as a natural pest deterrent, helping to confuse or repel certain insects.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Three main climates are suitable for commercial citrus production - tropical climates, subtropical with winter rain such as in the Mediterranean and semitropical with summer rainfall as found in Florida and southern Brazil[ 200 ]. The optimal temperatures for citrus cultivation range between 25 - 30°c, with the coldest month having an average minimum of at least 15°c[ 200 ]. Growth generally ceases below 13°c and above 38°c[ 200 ]. If there are dry periods of more than three months, then irrigation will be necessary[ 200 ]. This species is better suited to the tropics than the subtropics[ 307 ]. The flowers and fruit cannot tolerate frost, whilst the tree itself is killed at temperatures of -7°c[ 418 ]. Prefers a deep, well-drained but moisture-retentive loamy soil in full sun[ 200 ]. Tolerant of alkaline soils[ 307 ]. Established plants are drought-tolerant [ 307 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6[ 200 ]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.3, tolerating 6 - 8.3[ 418 ] The first fruits can be harvested when the tree is 7 - 8 years old. The tree has an economical life of 30 - 35 years[ 418 ]. A fruit yield of 40 - 44 tonnes/ha is regarded as a good yield in Florida, whilst in Trinidad and Surinam, average yields may be nearer 24 tonnes/ha[ 418 ]. Long days stimulate vegetative growth, whilst short days may stimulate flowering[ 418 ]. There are many named varieties[ 301 ]. Container, Espalier, Standard, Specimen. Most Citrus species are self-fertile, meaning they can produce fruit without needing another plant for cross-pollination, though cross-pollination can improve fruit set in some varieties. Citrus fruits are generally harvested in late autumn to early spring, depending on the specific variety and local climate.
Citrus trees usually flower in the spring. Some species may have a second flowering period in late summer.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it is ripe, after thoroughly rinsing it[ 164 , 200 ]. Sow stored seed in containers as soon as possible]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembryonic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[ 200 ]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 10cm or more tall before planting out into their permanent positions. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. This species grows easily from cuttings[ 200 ]. Layering in October.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Other Names: Bombelmo, Chakotra, Kureip-purutu, Kuripa, Pu tao you.
Native Range
Found In: Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Fiji, French Guiana, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Laos, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
None Known
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Macfad.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Citrus_x_paradisi
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