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Citrus x meyeri
  • Lemon

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

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
  • acid,neutral,alkaline,very alkaline
    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

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[1][2][3]. A medium-size fruit, the rind is thin and soft, the flesh tender, very juicy and mildly acid[4]. Moderately seedy[4]. A very nice tasting lemon, a pot-grown shrub yielded 12 lemons in 1993[K]. A very acid taste[5]. Mainly used as a drink and as a flavouring[4][6]. It is also used in salad dressings etc where it acts as an antioxidant as well as imparting an acid flavour[4]. The juice is used to help set jam[6]. The fruit can be up to 15cm long and 7cm wide[7]. The fruit bruises easily and so is not suitable for transportation to distant markets[8].

The dried rind of the fruit is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc[1][9][5][4]. The dried leaves are sometimes mixed with tea leaves for use as a flavouring[4]. An essential oil from the rind is used as a food flavouring[3][10][4].

The flowers are eaten in ice creams, fritters, jams etc[4]. They have a pleasant lemon flavour[4].
There are no edible uses listed for Citrus x meyeri.

Material uses

A semi-drying oil obtained from the seed is used in soap making[3][5].

An essential oil from the peel is used as a food flavouring and also in perfumery and medicines[11][3][5]. A higher quality essential oil is obtained from the flowers[11]. The peel contains 0.4% essential oil[12]. An essential oil obtained from the leaves and young twigs is called 'petitgrain oil'. Yields are around 0.4%[12]. The dried fruit rind has been used as an insect repellent in the clothes cupboard[11] and also in pot-pourri[6]. The juice of the fruit is used for polishing bronze and other metals that have been neglected[11]. It can also be used for removing ink stains[11].

Wood - nicely veined, it takes a beautiful polish[9].
There are no material uses listed for Citrus x meyeri.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Lemons are an excellent preventative medicine and have a wide range of uses in the domestic medicine chest. The fruit is rich in vitamin C which helps the body to fight off infections and also to prevent or treat scurvy[9][12][13]. It was at one time a legal requirement that sailors should be given an ounce of lemon each day in order to prevent scurvy[9]. Applied locally, the juice is a good astringent and is used as a gargle for sore throats etc[9]. Lemon juice is also a very effective bactericide[11]. It is also a good antiperiodic and has been used as a substitute for quinine in treating malaria and other fevers[9].

Although the fruit is very acid, once eaten it has an alkalizing effect upon the body[13]. This makes it useful in the treatment of rheumatic conditions[13]. The skin of the ripe fruit is carminative and stomachic[12]. The essential oil from the skin of the fruit is strongly rubefacient and when taken internally in small doses has stimulating and carminative properties[9]. The stem bark is bitter, stomachic and tonic[14]. An essential oil from the fruit rind is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Refreshing'[15]. 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, bioflavonoids, 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[6]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[6].

The bioflavonoids in the fruit help to strengthen the inner lining of blood vessels, especially veins and capillaries, and help counter varicose veins and easy bruising[13].
There are no medicinal uses listed for Citrus x meyeri.

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[16][7]. Sow stored seed in March in a greenhouse[2]. 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[7]. 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. This species grows easily from cuttings[7].

Layering in October.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Citrus x meyeri. 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 and a very sunny position[1][7]. Prefers a pH between 5 and 6[7]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8.3. Plants are intolerant of water logging[2]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should produce good results[8]. Do not use manure since Citrus species dislike it[8]. 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[8].

This is the hardiest lemon[7]. Dormant plants can withstand temperatures down to about -6°c so long as this is preceded by a spell of 2 - 3 weeks of cool weather to allow the plant to acclimatize[2]. If the change from mild to cold weather is more sudden then the plant will still be in growth and will be much more susceptible to damage and can be harmed by temperatures below 0°c[2]. 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]. It is best if a winter minimum of 4°c is maintained[2]. A small to medium spreading tree, it is nearly thornless, hardy and productive[4]. The plant is closely related to C. limon and is probably of hybrid origin[4]. By budding onto hardier species such as C. aurantium, C. ichangensis or Poncirus trifoliata, the lemon becomes more cold tolerant and its climatic range can be somewhat extended[2]. The flowers are sweetly scented[17].

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[6].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Citrus x meyeri. 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 x meyeri.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Citrus x meyeri
Genus
Citrus
Family
Rutaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Medicinal uses
[9][12][13][11][14][15][6]
Material uses & Functions
[3][5][11][12][6][9]
Botanic
[7]
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
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
    moderate
    Mature Size
    3 x 1 meters
    Fertility
    self fertile
    Pollinators
    Apomictic, Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.7 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.43.5 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    4. ? 4.004.014.024.034.044.054.064.074.084.094.104.11 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.66.76.8 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.67.77.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. ISBN 0-330-37376-5 (1998-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.49.59.69.79.89.9 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.1 Howes. F. N. Vegetable Gums and Resins. Faber ()
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.7 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.312.412.5 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)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.4 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood Publishing Ltd ISBN 0-9517723-0-9 (1993-00-00)
    16. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
    17. ? Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)


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    Facts about "Citrus x meyeri"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRutaceae +
    Belongs to genusCitrus +
    Has binomial nameCitrus x meyeri +
    Has common nameLemon +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeSelf fertile +, Apomictic + and Insects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateModerate +
    Has hardiness zone9 +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has mature height3 +
    Has mature width1 +
    Has search namecitrus x meyeri + and lemon +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral +, Alkaline + and Very alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceLoamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameCitrus x meyeri +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedYes +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +