Limequat

Limequat
A Eustis Limequat
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae (unranked): Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Rosids Order: Sapindales Family: Rutaceae Genus: Citrofortunella Species: floridana
Binomial name
Citrofortunella × floridana J.W. Ingram & H.E. Moore

The limequat is a citrus tree and the result of a cross between the lime and the kumquat. It is a member of citrofortunella.

Description

It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are characteristically citrus-like. The limequat produces an abundance of fruit even at a young age. The fruit is small, oval, greenish yellow and contains seeds or pips. It has a sweet tasting skin and a bitter sweet pulp that tastes similar to limes. The fruit can be eaten whole or the juice and rind can be used to flavour drinks and dishes. It has considerable amounts of vitamin C and is strongly acidic.

Originating in China, this plant is now grown in Japan, Israel, Spain, Malaysia, South Africa, Armenia, the United Kingdom and the United States in California and Florida. The fruit can be found, in small quantities, during the fall and winter months in the United States.

There are three different varieties of this fruit, Lakeland, Eustis, and Tavares, with Eustis being the most common.

Care

Limequats can be grown indoors or outdoors providing the temperature stays between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). They are fairly small and can be planted in containers or pots. Plant limequats in a well drained fertile soil. Incorporate a good compost with some gravel or sand. Adding mulch or compost on top of the soil can be very beneficial. Plant anytime of the year, watering it well. Water when nearly dry and add fertilizer occasionally. It can be pruned to keep a shape.

Plants grow fairly slowly and flower and fruit between 5-7 months and rest for 7-5 months

External links

• http://commhum.mccneb.edu/fstdatabase/HTM_files/Fruit/limequat.htm

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