Citrus aurantium - bitter orange (Fitocella)

Genus of about 12 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, native to the Far East. Citrus aurantium is an evergreen tree of limited size, up to 4-6 m tall, with oval-elliptical, dark green aromatic leaves, with winged petiole. The small flowers, gathered in 3-10 bundles in the axils of the leaves, appear irregularly at various times of the year. The fruits are similar to mandarins, not very large, with thin skin, very fragrant and very acidic pulp. The fruits of this citrus cannot be consumed fresh, but they are particularly suitable for the preparation of jams and marmalades.

Pedoclimatic needs

The bitter orange, together with fortunella, grapefruit and mandarin, is among the most cold-resistant citrus fruits, resisting temperatures just below zero for short periods. They prefer loose and fertile soils, possibly with a good organic substance content and avoid excessively calcareous soils. Citrus fruits do not tolerate drought and must be watered and fertilized regularly during the dry season.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Citrus aurantium

Family: Rutaceae