Accession Count: 11
Common Name:
grapefruit
Family Name:
Rutaceae
Botanical Name:
Citrus paradisi
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The subtropical grapefruit tree can reach a height of roughly 20 to 45 ft. The bark is ridged, and a reddish-brown color (Derdriu, 2011). Its leaves are evergreen and ovate, 3 to 6in long and 1.75 to 3in wide. Similarly, the petiole has broad ovate leaf-like structures (Morton). The flower is usually white with 4 petals arranged in clusters on its branches (Morton). The fruit has a spherical shape ranging in color from a pale-lemon to dusty pink and 6 – 8in in diameter (Morton). The mesocarp varies in color from yellow-white to pink or dark red; the exocarp is generally 3/8th of an inch, and is smooth with fine dots (Morton). Although there are seedless cultivars, the seeds tend to be white and polyembryonic, meaning two seedlings develop from a single seed.
Compound:
Cit par
Geographic Origin:
Caribbean
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The grapefruit was discovered relatively recently and was initially considered to be a cross between the pummelo and the orange (Dredriu); this discovery was recorded in the late 18th century in Barbados and Jamaica (Morton). Eventually, seedlings were brought to Florida in 1823, and by the late 19th century the grapefruit was being cultivated and sold commercially throughout the United States (Morton). America dominated grapefruit production and exportation well into the 20th century; however, by mid-century, other countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Israel began to produce grapefruit as well (Morton). Today, Mexico exports much of its grapefruit to the United States (Morton).
Cultivation Notes:
In the early years of crop cultivation, sour orange and rough lemon trunks were grafted for specific soil conditions and to enhance the durability of the trees (Morton). Grapefruit trees can grow in a variety of soils, but do best in mildly acidic soil; these trees also benefit from small amounts of added lime (Morton).
Ethnobotany:
Grapefruits used primarily as a food source, as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory purposes. Oil from the seeds can be extracted and used as an odor-free fighter of household mildew and mold (Derdriu). Also, dried rhine and seeds are used in soil and animal feed. Lastly, the wood of the grapefruit tree can be used in furniture and building materials (Derdriu).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Spread:
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Water Use:
Citations:
- Derdriu. (2011). Grapefruit Ethnobotany: The Generous Versatility of Grapefruit Trees (Citus x paradisi) as Food Sources and So Much More. Hubpages.com. Retrieved from http://derdriu.hubpages.com/hub/Grapefruit-Ethnobotany
- Morton, F. Julia. (2012). Grapefruit, Citrus paradise. New Source Online Resource Program. Retrieved from http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ morton/grape fruit .html
