Citrofortunella floridana Limequat PFAF Plant Database

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Summary

Now known by Citrus × floridana. The hybrid formula of this artificial cross is C. hystrix × C. japonica × C. medica.

Physical Characteristics

Citrofortunella floridana is an evergreen Tree growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Very acid, it can be used in all the ways that lemons are used[200]. The fruit is about 3 - 5cm in diameter[200].

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.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a position in full sun in a fertile well-drained but not dry soil[188]. Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position[1, 200]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results[260]. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it[260]. When watering pot plants it is important to neither overwater or underwater since the plant will soon complain by turning yellow and dying. Water only when the compost is almost dry, but do not allow it to become completely dry[260]. Plants are not very hardy in Britain but they do tolerate a few degrees of frost[200], so it should be possible to grow them in selected areas in the mildest parts of the country[K]. They are much more cold-tolerant than their lime parent[183]. Plants are susceptible to lime-induced and magnesium-deficiency chlorosis[188]. Grown commercially on a small scale in California, there are some named forms, selected for their edible fruit[183, 200]. The limequat (Citrus × floridana) is a citrus hybrid that is the result of a cross between the Key lime and the kumquat, hybridized by Walter Tennyson Swingle in 1909. Limequats (Citrus × floridana) are cold-hardy citrus hybrids best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11, typically thriving in zones 9 and 10. They can survive temperatures as low as 22F (-6C ) to 10F (-12C ), making them more robust than standard limes. They are ideal for growing in pots. Key Hardiness and Growing Details: USDA Zones: Primarily zones 8–11, with ideal growth in 9-10. Cold Tolerance: Mature trees handle temperatures down to roughly 20 -22F (-6 °C) with minimal damage. Best Locations: Best grown in pots or containers in colder climates (below zone 8) to allow for winter protection, as they are often treated as patio plants in these areas. Light Requirement: Full sun is necessary for the best health and fruit production. Soil Type: Prefers moist, well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil with an acidic to neutral pH.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

The following notes are based on Citrus species. They are probably applicable here as well, even though this is a bi-generic hybrid, since any seed might be produced polyembrionically. The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it ripe after thoroughly rinsing it[164, 200]. Sow stored seed in March in a greenhouse[3]. 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 polyembrionic, 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 in the greenhouse for at least three growing seasons before trying them outdoors. Plant them out in the summer and give them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering in October.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Citrus × floridana

Native Range

This is an artificial hybrid.

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.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Citrofortunella microcarpa	Calamondin Orange	Tree	5.0	0-0		LMH	N	M	3	0	0
Citrofortunella swinglei	Limequat	Tree	0.0	0-0		LMH	N	M	2	0	0

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.

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Expert comment

Author

J.W.Ingram.&H.E.Moore.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Citrofortunella floridana - J.W.Ingram.&H.E.Moore.