Accession Count: 9
Common Name:
edible orange
Family Name:
Rutaceae
Botanical Name:
Citrus sinensis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
C. sinensis is a broad leaf evergreen that grows to heights of 20 to 30 feet. It has perfect white flowers that grow in bunches at the end of its branches. The fruit is round and orange in color and sweet to taste.
Compound:
Cit sin
Geographic Origin:
East Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Citrus sinensis originated in Southeast Asia (2). They were cultivated as a source of food, which has led to a large number of different cultivars, including blood, navel, Spanish and Mediterranean oranges (2). It is now grown in tropical regions throughout the world. 2/3 of its production takes place in the southern United States and in Brazil (1).
Cultivation Notes:
Germination normally takes about 2 to 3 weeks at around 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The roots of C. sinensis don't respond well to transference. Citrus Sinensis is frost tender and does best when planted in a place where it can receive early morning sunlight (3). It is drought tolerant but flourishes when kept moist (2). It requires direct sunlight to light shade and temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (2). All pruning must occur after the fruit has ripened, because the blooms are considered new wood (2).
Ethnobotany:
The eating orange has been consumed for centuries, and recent studies have attributed the fruit with lowering cholesterol and aiding in the digestion of fat. It contains bergapten, which is used in tanning lotions, and its fragrance is found in perfumes and cleaning products.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
Growth Rate:
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Color:
White
Function:
Spread:
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Water Use:
Citations:
http: www.floridata.com/ref/c/citr_sin.cfm
http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week307.shtml
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Citrus+sinensis
