Mandarin, Tangerine, Unshu orange, Satsuma Orange,Temple Orange, Tangerine

Citrus reticulata

Physical Characteristics

Citrus reticulata is an evergreen Tree growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. 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) and is pollinated by Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion), insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: 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 and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China or Indo-China.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Fruit - raw or cooked in puddings, cakes, confectionery etc[183]. It is sweet and delicious[1, 3, 46]. The fruit is up to 8cm in diameter[200]. The dried rind of the fruit has a sweet spicy flavour and is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc[183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiasthmatic Anticholesterolemic Antiemetic Antiinflammatory Antiscorbutic Antiseptic Antitussive Aphrodisiac Astringent Carminative Expectorant Laxative Miscellany Stomachic Tonic Vitamin C Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some people[238]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[238]. The fruit is antiemetic, aphrodisiac, astringent, laxative and tonic[240]. The flowers are stimulant[240]. The pericarp is analgesic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antitussive, carminative, expectorant, stomachic[176]. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal distension, cough with profuse phlegm, hiccup and vomiting[176]. The endocarp is carminative and expectorant[176]. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal distension, coughs and profuse phlegm[176]. The unripened green exocarp is carminative and stomachic[176]. It is used in the treatment of pain in the chest and hypochondrium, gastro-intestinal distension, swelling of the liver and spleen and cirrhosis of the liver[176]. The seed is analgesic and carminative[176]. It is used in the treatment of hernia, lumbago, mastitis and pain or swellings of the testes[176].

Known Hazards

Avoid peel with dry cough or excessive red tongue or splitting blood [301].