Limequat

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Limequat

A Eustis Limequat

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Rosidae
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Rutaceae
Genus:	Citrus
Species:	C. × Fortunella

Binomial name

Citrus × Fortunella
(L.) Burm.f.

The limequat is a citrus tree and the result of a cross between the lime and the kumquat. It is a member of citrofortunella.

[edit] Description

It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are characteristically citrus-like. The limequat produces an abundance of fruit even at a young age. The fruit is small, oval, greenish yellow and contains seeds or pips. It has a sweet tasting skin and a bitter sweet pulp that tastes similar to limes. The fruit can be eaten whole or the juice and rind can be used to flavour drinks and dishes. It has considerable amounts of vitamin C and is strongly acidic.

Originating in China, this plant is now grown in Japan, Israel, Spain, Malaysia, South Africa, Armenia, the United Kingdom and the United States in California and Florida. The fruit can be found, in small quantities, during the fall and winter months in the United States.

There are three different varieties of this fruit, Lakeland, Eustis, and Tavares, with Eustis being the most common.

[edit] Care

Limequats can be grown indoors or outdoors providing the temperature stays between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F). They are fairly small and can be planted in containers or pots. Plant limequats in a well drained fertile soil. Incorporate a good compost with some gravel or sand] While this used to be common advise for planting it is no longer recommended. First, adding sand and gravel to heavy soil does not work. Consider the ingredients of cement and you will get an idea. Next organic amendments like compost should not be mixed into the soil. Any compost more than 2 inches under the surface will do no good, or worse, creating a place for harmful pathogens to grow and creating air pockets as the material decomposes. Adding mulch or compost on top of the soil can be very beneficial. Plant anytime of the year, watering it well. Water when nearly dry and add fertilizer occasionally. It can be pruned to keep a shape.