Citrus reticulata is a citrus species grown in Sri Lanka only under cultivation, valued for its sweet, edible fruit. It belongs to the family Rutaceae, a group of flowering plants widely known for aromatic leaves and oil-rich citrus fruits.
What does Citrus reticulata look like?
Citrus reticulata grows as a shrub or small tree, with slender branchlets bearing axillary spines. Its leaves are lanceolate in shape, carried on a short petiole that is wingless or only slightly marginate. Flowers appear singly or in small clusters at the leaf axils.
The fruit is oblate-globose, meaning slightly flattened at the poles rather than perfectly round. The pericarp, or outer rind, is orange or greenish orange, enclosing a rich orange pulp. The juice ranges from mildly to quite sweet, and the seeds are small.
Where does Citrus reticulata grow in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, Citrus reticulata is found only under cultivation, not growing wild. It is grown for its fruit, which forms the sole recorded edible part of the plant.
What is its conservation status?
The species is recorded in Sri Lanka strictly as a cultivated plant, with no wild or naturalised populations noted.
Recorded facts at a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Citrus reticulata |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Status in Sri Lanka | Only under cultivation |
| Edible parts | Fruit |
| Life form | Shrub or small tree |
| Branchlets | Slender, with axillary spines |
| Leaves | Lanceolate; petiole short, wingless or slightly marginate |
| Inflorescence | Single flower or small cluster |
| Fruit | Oblate globose; pericarp orange or greenish orange |
| Pulp | Rich orange, juice mildly to quite sweet |
| Seeds | Small |
Other species in this genus
8 more, sharing the same genus.
