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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked. Very acid, it can be used in all the ways that lemons are used[1]. The fruit is about 3 - 5cm in diameter[1].

Fruit

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Citrofortunella floridana.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Citrofortunella floridana.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

The following notes are based on Citrus species. They are probably applicable here as well, even though this is a bi-generic hybrid, since any seed might be produced polyembrionically.

The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it ripe after thoroughly rinsing it[2][1]. 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[1]. 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 Citrofortunella floridana. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a position in full sun in a fertile well-drained but not dry soil[4]. Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position[5][1]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results[6]. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it[6]. 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[6].

Plants are not very hardy in Britain but they do tolerate a few degrees of frost[1], so it should be possible to grow them in selected areas in the mildest parts of the country[K]. They are much more cold-tolerant than their lime parent[7]. Plants are susceptible to lime-induced and magnesium-deficiency chlorosis[4].

Grown commercially on a small scale in California, there are some named forms, selected for their edible fruit[7][1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Citrofortunella floridana. 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 Citrofortunella floridana.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Citrofortunella floridana
Genus
Citrofortunella
Family
Rutaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
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
?
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
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
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    3. ? Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)