Citrus - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 3)

Brosimum alicastrum, commonly known as the breadnut or Maya nut, is a tree species in the family Moraceae, genera including figs, mulberries and jackfruit. This tree is found on the west coast of central Mexico and in southern Mexico (Yucatán, Campeche), Guatemala, El Salvador, the Caribbean, and the Amazon.

The breadnut fruit disperses on the ground at different times throughout its range. It has a large seed covered by a thin, citrus-flavored, orange-colored skin favored by a number of forest creatures. More importantly, the large seed which is enveloped by the tasty skin is an edible nut that can be boiled or dried and ground into a meal for porridge or flatbread. Breadnut is nutritious and has value as a food source, and may have formed a part of the diet of the pre-Columbian Maya of the lowlands region in Mesoamerica. It was planted by the Maya civilization two thousand years ago and it has been claimed to have been a staple food in the Maya diet. The breadnut is high in fiber, calcium, potassium, folic acid, iron, zinc, protein and B vitamins and is very high in antioxidants. The fresh seeds can be cooked and eaten or can be set out to dry in the sun and eaten later. Stewed, the nut tastes like mashed potato; roasted, it tastes like chocolate or coffee. It can be prepared in numerous other dishes. In Guatemala, the breadnut is being cultivated for exportation and local consumption as powder, for hot beverages, and bread.

A shrub or small tree, widespreading, with a very short, thick, trunk. Develops a swollen trunk, and can be a spectacular specimen. Flower is small, creamy white, borne on long stalks, may be clustered or solitary. Bark is tight and smooth, very attractive, reddish brown and peeling to reveal gray-green. Drought deciduous. Leaves have distinct citrus odor when crushed. Great ready bonsai! The fruit is brown maturing in late fall. The seeds are red, and germinate quite easily. The dried sap of some of the species sold as frankincense.

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.

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.

Lemon grass, also known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a small plant native to India. It grows to be 2-5 ft tall and requires full sun and regular watering. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in containers. The leaves are bluish-green, 0.5-1 inch wide, and approximately 3 ft long, with gracefully drooping tips. They release strong citrus aroma when crushed and the plant rarely produces flowers. Lemon grass is valued for its flavor and health benefits, including its rich nutrient content, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and ability to produce fruit that can be eaten or juiced.

In gardens, lemon grass can be used as an ornamental plant, releasing a pleasant citrus aroma when brushed against to repel mosquitoes and other pests. It is also an excellent tonic for dogs. Lemon grass is widely used in Thai and Vietnamese cooking, giving Tom Yum soup its famous taste, and has become popular in the United States, with most commercial crops grown in California and Florida.

In addition to its culinary uses, lemon grass is also used medicinally. The leaves are steam distilled to extract lemongrass oil, which is commonly used in perfumery and flavorings.

It is a perennial plant that may go dormant in the winter, depending on the climate. Also, it can be enjoyed as an annual in frosty areas or potted and brought inside during the winter. Lemon grass is a versatile plant that can be used in the kitchen to flavor teas, soups, and other dishes, as well as in the garden as an ornamental plant and natural pest repellent.

Kumquats have been called "the little gems of the citrus family".

The kumquat tree is slow-growing, shrubby, compact, 8 to 15ft tall, the branches light-green and angled when young, thornless or with a few spines. The apparently simple leaves are alternate, lanceolate, 1 1/4 to 3 3/8in long, finely toothed from the apex to the middle, dark-green, glossy above, lighter beneath. Sweetly fragrant, 5-parted, white flowers are borne singly or 1 to 4 together in the leaf axils. The fruit is oval-oblong or round, 5/8 to 1 1/2in wide; peel is golden-yellow to reddish-orange, with large, conspicuous oil glands, fleshy, thick, tightly clinging, edible, the outer layer spicy, the inner layer sweet; the pulp is scant, in 3 to 6 segments, not very juicy, acid to subacid; contains small, pointed seeds or sometimes none; they are green within.

Kumquats are believed native to China. They have been grown in Europe and North America since the mid-19th Century, mainly as ornamental dooryard trees and as potted specimens in patios and greenhouses. They are grown mainly in California, Florida and Texas; to a lesser extent in Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Surinam, Colombia and Brazil. In South India, they can be grown only at high elevations. There is limited cultivation in Australia and South Africa.

Fuchsia microphylla is a shrubby, vining plant native to Central America and Mexico. Also known as 'Fuchsia' or 'Little-leaved Fuchsia', Fuchsia microphylla is an evergreen, groundcover or small shrub. It produces vibrant, red and crimson, vinous flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds.

Fuchsia microphylla is a drought-tolerant plant, but does best when regularly watered. It does best in semi-shaded spots with good air circulation, although it can handle full-sun if watered more often. This plant is hardy in USDA Zone 8-10.

Fuchsia microphylla produces edible fruits. These fruits contain high levels of vitamin C and other minerals. They can be used as a citrus substitute in condiments, sauces and as a flavoring.

The fruit of Fuchsia microphylla is abundant in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to the diet. Vitamin C can help strengthen the immune system and build up resistance to diseases. It is also a great source of fiber, which helps with digestion. The fruits can also be dried and preserved for later use.

Fuchsia microphylla, the plant is relatively easy to cultivate and propagate. The plant needs regular water, although it can handle dry conditions in the summer months. It should also be protected from extreme cold in colder climates, and can be grown in pots for additional protection.

Garcinia intermedia, commonly known as Lemon Drop Mangosteen, is a small tropical fruit tree in the Clusiaceae family native to Central America. It typically grows 10 to 20 ft tall, forming a dense, rounded crown with glossy, dark green leaves. Small, white to pale yellow flowers are followed by bright yellow to orange fruits about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The fruits are thin-skinned and contain soft, juicy pulp with a sweet-tart flavor often compared to citrus, making them suitable for fresh eating.

This species prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with regular moisture. Growth rate is moderate in warm, humid conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below about 40F; best suited to USDA Zones 10 to 11. Garcinia intermedia is suitable for container growing when young and can be maintained in protected environments in cooler climates.Close related species -target=_blank>Garcinia livingstonei (Imbe).

Glycosmis pentaphylla, commonly known as Gin Berry or Orangeberry, is a rare and intriguing evergreen shrub from the citrus family that instantly grabs attention by scent alone. When the leaves or ripe berries are crushed, they release a fresh, citrusy aroma strikingly similar to gin, thanks to aromatic oils related to those found in juniper and citrus peel.

This compact shrub stays naturally manageable, making it well suited for containers, patios, and small gardens. Shiny green leaves, delicate white fragrant flowers, and clusters of decorative berries give it strong ornamental value year-round. The berries are edible and lightly sweet-tart, though the fragrance is the real highlight rather than bold flavor. In parts of South and Southeast Asia, the fruit is eaten fresh, added to chutneys, or used to scent drinks.

Gin Berry is a lesser-known relative of both true citrus and curry leaf. Unlike oranges, lemons, and limes that grow into full-sized trees, it remains shrub-like and space-friendly. Compared to Murraya koenigii, which is grown mainly for its culinary leaves and can become a small tree, Gin Berry is prized more for its aroma, berries, and ornamental appeal. It has also been used traditionally in folk medicine for digestion, fever, and inflammation, and is noted for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Easy to grow, attractive to pollinators, and loved by birds, Gin Berry is a true conversation plant that blends fragrance, beauty, and curiosity into one compact addition to your garden.

In Hindu medicine it has been used traditionally in bilious complaints, cough, worms, jaundice and fever.

Houttuynia cordata, commonly referred to as chameleon plant, is a small deciduous shrub native to Japan, South to Nepal, and the Mountains of Java. With a mature height ranging from 2-5 feet, it has become a popular ornamental foliage choice for landscape designs.

To ensure optimal growth and flower production, the chameleon plant does best when exposed to full sun to semi-shade and given moderate water. It can grow in a range of soils as long as they remain moist, however, it is not drought tolerant. The chameleon plant has oval to heart-shaped deep green leaves with a citrus fragrance when crushed. Its tiny yellow flowers are produced on a 5-inch spike and are accompanied by four white bracts. Popular cultivars include the Plena with bronzy green leaves and Chameleon with yellow, green, pale green, gray, cream and scarlet leaves.

The Houttuynia cordata plant has various ethnomedical uses. For example, it is used to treat fungal diseases, while its external use is beneficial for curing skin diseases. The whole plant can also be used as a diuretic and genito-urinary antiseptic.

Grows in SUDA Zones 5-10. In colder regions, the Houttuynia cordata can be grown in pots and brought indoors to protect it from the frost. To ensure successful winter care for the plant, make sure to provide it with plenty of light, water, and keep it away from cold drafts. It is important not to water the soil too often, as it can cause root rot. It is also recommended to fertilize the plant twice a month. With the right growing conditions, chameleon plant can be a beautiful addition to any garden.