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Citrus reticulata
  • Mandarin

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Citrus genus in the family Rutaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • very acid,acid,neutral,alkaline,very alkaline
    Very acid to Very alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Loamy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 9
    Zone 9
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Citrus reticulata has 0 edible uses listed
Citrus reticulata has 0 material uses listed
Citrus reticulata has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked in puddings, cakes, confectionery etc[1]. It is sweet and delicious[2][3][4]. The fruit is up to 8cm in diameter[5]. The dried rind of the fruit has a sweet spicy flavour and is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc[1].

Unknown part

Condiment

Fruit

Unknown use

Material uses

An essential oil from the peel is used as a food flavouring and also in perfumery and medicines[6]. Yields are around 0.5%[7]. An essential oil obtained from the leaves and young twigs is called 'petitgrain oil'. Yields are around 0.5%[7].

Unknown part

Essential

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some people[8]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[8].

The fruit is antiemetic, aphrodisiac, astringent, laxative and tonic[7]. The flowers are stimulant[7]. The pericarp is analgesic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antiscorbutic, antiseptic, antitussive, carminative, expectorant, stomachic[9]. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal distension, cough with profuse phlegm, hiccup and vomiting[9]. The endocarp is carminative and expectorant[9]. It is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, gastro-intestinal distension, coughs and profuse phlegm[9]. The unripened green exocarp is carminative and stomachic[9]. It is used in the treatment of pain in the chest and hypochondrium, gastro-intestinal distension, swelling of the liver and spleen and cirrhosis of the liver[9].

The seed is analgesic and carminative[9]. It is used in the treatment of hernia, lumbago, mastitis and pain or swellings of the testes[9].

Unknown part

Analgesic
Antiasthmatic
Anticholesterolemic
Antiemetic
Antiinflammatory
Antiscorbutic
Antiseptic
Antitussive
Aphrodisiac
Astringent
Carminative
Expectorant
Laxative
Miscellany
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it ripe after thoroughly rinsing it[10][5]. Sow stored seed in March in a greenhouse[3]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembrionic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[5]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least three growing seasons before trying them outdoors. Plant them out in the summer and give them some protection from the cold for their first few winters outdoors.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Layering in October.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Citrus reticulata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added plus a very sunny position[2][5]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 6[5]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3. Plants are intolerant of water logging[3]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results[11]. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it[11]. When watering pot plants it is important to neither overwater or underwater since the plant will soon complain by turning yellow and dying. Water only when the compost is almost dry, but do not allow it to become completely dry[11].

The mandarin is widely grown for its edible fruit in warm temperate and tropical zones, there are many named varieties[1]. In Britain it can be grown in a pot placed outdoors in the summer and brought into a greenhouse during the winter[3]. It is more resistant than the sweet or bitter orange to cold (because it quickly becomes dormant at low temperatures) but it is best it the temperature does not fall below 7°c[3]. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K].

Plants dislike root disturbance and so should be placed into their permanent positions when young. If growing them in pots, great care must be exercised when potting them on into larger containers[8].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Citrus reticulata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Citrus reticulata.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Citrus reticulata
Genus
Citrus
Family
Rutaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5]
Medicinal uses
[8][7][9]
Material uses & Functions
[6][7]
Botanic
[5]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Soil Texture
loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    4.5 x 3 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Apomictic, Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.5 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.8 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    10. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)

    "image:Mandarin_tree_closeup.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Citrus_reticulata&oldid=76289"
    Facts about "Citrus reticulata"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRutaceae +
    Belongs to genusCitrus +
    Has common nameMandarin +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part + and Fruit +
    Has edible useSeasoning + and Unknown use +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Apomictic + and Insects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone9 +
    Has imageMandarin tree closeup.JPG +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useEssential +
    Has mature height4.5 +
    Has mature width3 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnalgesic +, Antiasthmatic +, Anticholesterolemic +, Antiemetic +, Antiinflammatory +, Antiscorbutic +, Antiseptic +, Antitussive +, Aphrodisiac +, Astringent +, Carminative +, Expectorant +, Laxative +, Miscellany +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageMandarin_tree_closeup.JPG +
    Has search namecitrus reticulata + and x +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceVery acid +, Acid +, Neutral +, Alkaline + and Very alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameCitrus reticulata +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +