Citrus medica - Cedar (Fitocella)

Genus of about 12 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, native to the Far East. Citrus medica is a small tree with thorny branches and ovate or ovate-oblong leaves. The shoots and young leaves are reddish in color. The leaf petioles are not winged. The flowers are white inside and suffused with purple outside, solitary or gathered. Flowering is continuous; however, the best fruits are those derived from the flowers produced in May-June. The fruits are similar in appearance to lemons, but considerably larger and with very thick skin; they have an oblong or oval shape and a reduced acidic pulp. The latter is used to produce candied fruit; the pulp is used to extract citric acid.

Pedoclimatic needs

Cedars are plants suitable for hot climate areas and do not resist cold and frost; in Italy they are grown in the south, on the islands and where temperatures do not fall below +2°/0°C. Citrus fruits prefer loose and fertile soils, possibly with a good organic substance content and avoid excessively calcareous soils. Cedars do not tolerate drought and must be watered and fertilized regularly during the dry season.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Citrus medica

Family: Rutaceae