Citrus
'Citrus' is a common term and genus of flowering plant in the Family Rutaceae, comprising trees such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, and tangerine. The fruits are notable for their fragrance, and most are juice-ladden.
Larger view of citrus fruits
Citrus fruits contain a high proportion of citric acid giving them their characteristic astringent odour and flavour. They are also good sources of vitamin C.
Citrus trees hybridize readily: it is not unusual for lime seeds to produce grapefruit. Therefore, most commercial citrus cultivation uses trees produced by grafting the desired plant onto the rootstock.
Culture
Citrus trees are not hardy, with most types injured or killed by freezing (below 0° C (32° F). temperatures. A few hardy hybrids can withstand lower temperatures but do not produce quality fruit. In the U.S., Florida, Texas, and California are major commercial citrus-producing regions, while smaller plantings are present in other sun-belt states.
The trees do best in a consistently sunny, humid environment with fertile soil and adequate rainfall or irrigation. Though broadleaves, they are evergreen and do not drop leaves except when stressed. The trees blossom in the spring, and fruit is set shortly afterward. Fruit begins to ripen in fall or early winter months, depending on variety, and develops increasing sweetness afterward.
Some hobbyists grow dwarf citrus in containers or greenhouses in areas where it is too cold to grow it outdoors. Consistent climate, sufficient sunlight, and proper watering are crucial if the trees are to thrive and produce fruit.
List of citrus fruits
Referenced By
Australian lime | Clementine | Cuisine of Japan | Etrog | Japanese Cuisine | Japanese food | List of fruit | List of fruits | List of garden plants | Orchard | Rutaceae
|
