mandarin

(botany) A large and variable group of citrus fruits in the species Citrus reticulata and some of its hybrids; many varieties of the trees are compact with willowy twigs and small, narrow, pointed leaves; includes tangerines, King oranges, Temple oranges, and tangelos.

A name used to designate a large group of citrus fruits in the species Citrus reticulata and some of its hybrids. This group is variable in the character of trees and fruits since the term is used in a general sense to include many different forms, such as tangerines, King oranges, Temple oranges, tangelos (hybrids between grapefruit and tangerine), Satsuma oranges, and Calamondin, presumably a hybrid between a mandarin and a kumquat. See also Kumquat; Orange.

Although tangerines are the most extensively planted of the mandarin group, others, particularly the Temple orange, the Murcott orange, and the tangelos, of which there are several varieties, are important commercial fruits in the United States. See also Fruit; Fruit, tree; Sapindales.

Mandarin is a calm and gentle stimulant with a cheering sweet, fruity fragrance. Its oil is useful in massage blends for care of the skin, particularly where there are stretch marks. It also may be used in the treatment of acne, insomnia, scars, spots, stress, and wrinkles.