Sweet Orange

Citrus sinensis

Physical Characteristics

Citrus sinensis is an evergreen Tree growing to 9 m (29ft 6in) 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

Original range is obscure, possible Asia in southern China and Vietnam.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Oil Edible Uses: Condiment Oil Tea Fruit - raw. Sweet and delicious[1, 3, 46, 61]. The juice is often extracted from the fruit and sold as a refreshing and healthy drink or used in jellies, ice cream etc[183]. The rind of the fruit is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc or made into marmalade[1, 46, 183]. Flowers - cooked as a vegetable or made into a tea[183].

Medicinal Uses

Appetizer Blood purifier Carminative Miscellany Skin 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 appetizer and blood purifier[240]. It is used to allay thirst in people with fevers and also treats catarrh[240]. The fruit juice is useful in the treatment of bilious affections and bilious diarrhoea[240]. The fruit rind is carminative and tonic[240]. The fresh rind is rubbed on the face as a cure for acne[240]. The dried peel is used in the treatment of anorexia, colds, coughs etc[218].

Known Hazards

None known