Citrus aurantifolia (Lime)
Originates from tropical Southeast Asia, where it can still be found wild. Cultivars have been developed based on sweetness (usually sour), size, shape (round or oblong) and colour (yellow or green). All varieties have relatively thin skins. Lime fruit are used for preserves, garnishes and juices. Citral oil is extracted for use in perfumes. |
Citrus maxima (Pummelo, Pamplemousse, Shaddock)
Thought to have originated in Sourtheast Asia. By 300 BC, Citrus grandis was being grown commercially in China. It is important in Chinese medicine and trees are grown also for their beauty and fragrance. Citrus grandis is not grown commercially these days but is still grown as a garden tree. |
Citrus medica (Citron)
Citron is thought to be native to India and then to have spread prehistorically, through cultivation, to other parts of Asia, and Europe. Fruit are yellow, ovoid-oblong and can be large, measuring up to 30 cm long. They have a very thick rind and sour juicy parts. The rind is used in making candied confectionery but Citron is used predominantly for medicinal and ritual purposes rather than for food. |
Citrus reticulata (Mandarin, Satsuma and Tangerine, Naartjie)
The Mandarin was probably domesticated in tropical Southeast Asia. By 500 BC it was known in China and by 300 BC it was being grown commercially in central China. By 400 AD, grafting methods were being used to clone favourable varieties. Itwas introduced to Japan at an early stage, and it was here that the Satsuma variety was developed. Despite its popularity in Asia, it was only in the 1800's that Citrus reticulata was established in Europe, North Africa, West Indies, North and South America, and Australia. |