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Rutaceae: Citrus family

This family has 930 species in 155 genera. Many of the fruits taste of sweet citric acid. They are of course the citrus fruits. A common hedge in tropical areas is mock orange (Murraya spp). There are many unusual fruits in this family too such as ' Buddahs hands'. Some citrus fruits are less common such as the Pummelos and Zabons. Almost all of the members of this family have sweet scents because of the glands that can be found all over the plant.

Systematics: This family has a nectar disk between the style and the ovary. It usually has 2 whorls of stamens, where the second whorl is opposite the petals (obdiplostemonous). Spines are fairly common in the family. Glandular dots on the surface of the fruits and flowers often give it away. There are 3-5 petals and 3-5 sepals.

Specimens List

Lemon (Citrus x limon)

Modern lemons are hybrids of wild forms.


Floral Diagram

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)

Originally from Barbados it is still considered "One of the seven wonders from Barbados"


Key Lime (Citrus aurantifolia)

It is usually yellow when ripe but they pick it green commercially.


White sapote (Casimiroa edulis)

The fruit is delicious but the seeds are used as tranquilizers.


 

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