Common Name(s): Sour Orange

Synonym(s):

Family: Rutaceae

Native To: Southeastern Asia

Native Habitat: Warm, moist, above freezing

Growth Habit: Small tree

Flowering: White, highly fragrant flowers

Distinguishing Characteristics:

Natural History and Cultivation Notes:

Ethnobotany: The sour orange tree was once a common landscaping plant in Tucson, because of its aromatic blooms and the fruits - used for making marmalades. Homemade marmalade is less commonly made, and so Citrus aurantium is thought to have reduced landscape value. However it is used quite extensively as a commercial root stock for the graft propagation of edible citrus species. The blossoms form the basis of Bergamot, in the perfume industry. Extracts from the rind of sour orange are also on the market as orange zest, and dietary and weight loss supplements.

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