Calamondin Orange

Citrofortunella microcarpa

Physical Characteristics

Citrofortunella microcarpa is an evergreen Tree growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). It 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.

Distribution

A bi-generic hybrid, Citrus reticulata x Fortunella margarita?[200].

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Fruit - raw or cooked. Very acid, they are usually pickled, preserved or used in drinks, teas, marmalades, chutneys etc[183]. They can be used in all the ways that lemons or limes are used[200]. The fruit is less acid than a lemon and makes a very acceptable raw fruit, especially if eaten with the skin which has a pleasant sweet flavour[K]. The whole fruit is fried in coconut oil with various seasonings and is eaten with curry[183]. The fruit is about 25 - 35mm in diameter[200]. The preserved peel is used as a flavouring in other foods[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known