Wednesday, December 5, 2007

X Citrofortunella Mitis

This is a calamondin tree growing in a small planter pot. Its flowers are richly and sweetly fragrant; in a word, out of this world. Native to China, it was introduced to Indonesia and the Philippines where it became the most important citrus juice source. It is widely grown in India and throughout southern Asia and Malaysia. This is a common ornamental dooryard tree in Hawaii, the Bahamas, some islands of the West Indies, and parts of Central America. Dr. David Fairchild introduced it into Florida from Panama in 1899. It quickly became popular in Florida and Texas. Since 1960, thousands of potted specimens have been shipped from southern Florida to all parts of the United States for use as house plants. The fruits look very pretty on the plant, but I love the smell of the flowers. A few are still on the tree as can be seen in this photo.

Calamondin

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That is a nice photo and interesting story. The fruit looks like something we get at the store and eat and are they every good but my wife is asleep so I can't ask her what the name is.

Nice post.