Rutaceae - Botanical Family

Botanical names: Atalantia monophylla, Limonia monophylla

Common names: Indian Atalantia, Wild Lime

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Southeast Asia

Botanical name: Boronia sp.

Common name: Boronia

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Australia

Boronias are known for their perfumed flowers, they are generally somewhat difficult to grow in cultivation. All species require excellent drainage and part shade.

Botanical names: Calodendrum capense, Dictamnus calodendrum

Common name: Cape Chestnut

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Southern Africa

Calodendrum capense is a very ornamental tree, suitable for use as a shade or specimen tree in gardens and parks, also as a street tree. It does best in deep fertile, well-composted soil with plenty of moisture, particularly during spring and summer, and requires a warm sunny position. To develop and maintain its shapely canopy, it requires protection from strong, sustained winds.

At the south and east coast of southern Africa this tree is often evergreen, but inland it is deciduous.

Cape chestnut oil, obtained from the seeds, otherwise known as Yangu oil, is a popular oil in African skin care.

Botanical name: Casimiroa edulis

Common name: White Sapote

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Central America

Casimiroa edulis, more commonly known as the White Sapote, is native to Central America and highly appreciated for its taste. Its flesh has the texture and flavor of a creamy custard, making it a popular snack for those looking for a sweet treat. This edible variety is also known as the "sleepy sapote" as it is said to have soporific effects in certain parts of Mexico. There are two main varieties, the Homestead and Dade, and when in season (May -July) its thin-skinned fruit does not ship well.

White Sapote grows up to heights of 20 feet or more. It requires full sun and moderate water, while young plants need protection from cold snaps. The mature plant, however, is cold hardy to at least 30s F for short periods of time. A USDA Zone of 9-11 is ideal for growing this tree.

The white sapote fruit provides a variety of other benefits. It is an excellent source of energy and is rich in proteins, vitamins B and C, phosphorus, and calcium, as well as dietary fiber. This tree can produce a vast amount of fruit, offering a delicious dietary supplement for those looking for a nutritious snack.

White Sapote does best in a pot in cold regions. During warm seasons, the plant needs to be watered and fertilized frequently, and during colder months, it should be moved to a sun-protected area.

Botanical name: Choisya sp.

Common name: Mexican Orange Blossom

Cultivar: 'Aztec Pearl'

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Mexico

The Choisya ternata has hybridised with Choisya arizonica to give Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', a popular modern cultivar, which has leaves divided into 3-5 slender leaflets, and flowers which are pink in bud, opening white.This is a rounded, medium-sized shrub with shining, dark green leaves. These are opposite; they are pitted with numerous oil glands (which can be seen if the leaf is held up to the light) and give off a pungent odor when crushed. Happy in full sun or dappled shade, it will also do well in dry areas. Best planted in early autumn or wait until spring. If pruning required, then it should be done in mid spring.

Botanical name: Choisya ternata

Common name: Mexican Orange Blossom

Family: Rutaceae

Origin: Mexico

Choisya ternata is a fast growing little shrub that is perfect for a mixed shrub hedge or border.

The Choisya ternata has hybridised with Choisya arizonica to give Choisya 'Aztec Pearl', a popular modern cultivar.

Botanical name: Citrofortunella mitis

Common names: Calamondin, Calamondin Orange, China Orange, Musk Lime, Panama Orange, Philippine Orange, To-kumquat

Family: Rutaceae

Citrofortunella mitis, commonly known as Calamondin, is a small tree, reaching a height between 10-20 ft when fully grown. It is a beautiful tree with full sun requirements and regular water needs, with white and off-white flowers appearing in spring and summer. The Calamondin tree is best grown in USDA Zone 9-11 and is known to be quite hardy.

The tree produces edible fruits, roughly the size of a small orange. The acidic properties of the fruit make it perfect for use in a range of culinary dishes, from salads to pickles to sauces. Those who try this fruit will notice a tart flavor similar to lemon and lime yet distinctly unique. The juice is also prized for being a great alternative in citrus-based drinks like smoothies, juices, and cocktails.

The Calamondin fruit is known for its numerous health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C and other important antioxidants, eating them helps to nourish and protect from free radicals, among other benefits. Eating these fruits also encourages healthy cell growth, supports immune health, and lowers the risk of some diseases.

The Calamondin tree prefers warm and humid climates. In cold areas, you can still grow it in a pot. They require regular watering and plenty of sunlight, and can produce up to 100 fruits in a single season.

Botanical name: Citrofortunella sp.

Common name: Calamondin

Family: Rutaceae

Citrofortunella sp., also known as Calamondin, is a bi-generic hybrid Citrus aurantifolia x Fortunella sp that is commonly used in bonsai cultivation. It is an evergreen, frost-tender tree that can reach heights of 5-10 feet as a shrub or 10-20 feet as a small tree. The plant boasts fragrant, white to off-white flowers that attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as abundant fruit that can be consumed fresh or cooked.

Not only is the fruit of Calamondin edible, but it also possesses a wide range of ethnomedical properties, including antiseptic, antifungal, expectorant, and carminative uses. With proper care, the mature plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time and is hardy in USDA zones 8-11. It has the potential to produce many fruits per growing season and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

The ideal growing conditions for Calamondin include well-draining, moist soil in full sun. The plant prefers a very sunny position. It is important to neither overwater or underwater the plant, as too much or too little water can cause yellowing and death.