Citrus reticulata (Mandarin Orange)


Botanical Information

FamilyRutaceae
GenusCitrus
Speciesreticulata
CategoryTropicals
TypeTree (evergreen)

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b-11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height4-6 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMarch

Description and Growing Information

ShapeSymmetrical, open and rounded.
PropagationDesired cultivars of mandarin oranges, like most citrus cultivars, are bud grafted onto seedlings of the same or a closely related species.
PestsXylella a bacterial disease is a serious threat to many horticultures crops due to its virulence and wide range of species it can infect. It can infect more than 560 species with wide ranging symptoms including leaf scorch, yellowing and scorching, wilt, branch and twig dieback and plant death. These symptoms can be identical to other symptoms such as drought and weather stress. Infected plants show symptoms within a few years after planting.
HabitatSouthern China and Southeast Asia.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are not trifoliate, but the petioles are slightly winged.
Flower DescriptionThe white flowers are very fragrant, usually attracting hoards of honey bees.
Fruit DescriptionThe orange coloured fruit of most mandarins is juicy and sweet, loose skinned and easy to peel. They are 5-10 cm in diameter and have easily divided sections. They are similar to oranges, but usually smaller and looser skinned.

Photographs