Eden

Penang Botanic Gardens Plant Collection

Citrus microcarpa Bunge (RUTACEAE)

Posted at — Nov 13, 2019
Calamondin, Calamansi, Golden Lime, Limau Kesturi, Limau Chuit

Description

Medium-sized shrub, sometimes a small tree up to 3-4 m tall, spiny. Leaves simple, elliptic, aromatic, 3-7 cm long. Flowers white to whitish-pink, fragrant, axillay or teminal, 1-1.5 cm long. Fruits small, globose, green turning light orange when ripe, 2-2.5 cm across.

Ecology

It is a Citrus hybrid.

Distribution

Native to the Philippines and widely cultivated in SE Asia and other tropical and subtropical countries in Asia.

Uses

Used in various condiments, beverages, dishes, marinades, and preserves. Planted also as an attractive ornamental for its attractive fruits. It is particularly popular among Chinese during the Chinese New Year.