Citrus

Citrus

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Rosidae
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	*Citrus*

Species

medica
limon
volkameriana
jambiri
limonia
Karna
aurantifolia
latifolia
limetta
limettoides
aurantium
myrtifolia
bergamia
sinensis
unshiu
nobilis
deliciosa
reticulata
reshni
sunki
tangerina
indica
tachibana
madurensis
grandis
paradisi
natsudaidai
ichangensis
junos
latipes
micranta
celebica
macrophylla
macroptera
pennivesiculata
hystrix

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.

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.

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Citrus

Culture