Citron (Citrus medica)

Image - Wikimedia / H. Zell

La citron It is a fruit tree that, like the lemon, produces fruits that are rarely eaten fresh. Even so, it is a very interesting plant to have in the garden, since it is rather small and, as it remains evergreen, it gives an ideal shade for lower plants, such as ferns or bromeliads for example.

If you want to know more about citron, its characteristics and of course its care, then we are going to talk to you about her.

Origin and characteristics

Image - Wikimedia / Christer T Johansson

Our protagonist is an evergreen fruit tree or tree native to Asia. Its scientific name is Citrus medica, and is popularly known as citron, citron, poncil lemon, French lemon, grapefruit or citron. It reaches a height of between 2,5 and 5 meters, with a twisted trunk.

The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical to lanceolate, leathery, up to 18cm long, with a dark green upper surface and fragrant (they smell like lemon). The flowers are hermaphroditic, also aromatic, white to purple in color. The fruit is oblong or globose up to 30cm in diameter, and inside we find small, smooth and white seeds inside.

Uses

In addition to being used as an ornamental, essential oil is used for lung and intestinal problems. The fruit is also widely used as an ingredient in various recipes.

What are their cares?

Image - Wikimedia / Sailko

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location: it must be outside, in full sun.
• Earth:
  • Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with 30% perlite. It is also interesting to add a little (10-15%) of organic fertilizer, such as cow manure.
  • Garden: grows in fertile, well-drained soils.
• Irrigation: 3-4 times a week in summer, and a little less the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: in spring and summer with organic fertilizers. Use liquid fertilizers if it is potted.
• Multiplication: by cuttings of branches of 2-4 years at the end of winter.
• Rusticity: it resists frosts down to -5ºC.

What did you think of the citron?