Citrus medica L

Citrus medica L

Know our Plant

Systematic Classification:

Division   : Angiospermae 
Class      : Dicotyledons
Family     : Rutaceae
Genus      : Citrus
Species    : medica

Common Name:

Citron

General Information:

Citrus medic is a large fragrant citrus fruit with a thick rind.Shrub or small tree to 3 m. high, with stout spines. Leaves elliptic, 8–20 cm. long, 3–9 cm. broad, serrate; petiole short, wingless and not articulated with lamina. Inflorescence of axillary few-flowered racemes; flowers 3–4 cm. in diameter, bisexual and ♂ with a large proportion of the latter; petals 5, tinged pink; stamens 30–40; ovary 10–13-locular. Fruit oblong, 10–20 cm. long; peel thick and yellow; pulp sour.

Economic Importance:

  • The fresh shoots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of citron have all entered into a number of traditional medicinal preparations for the treatment of asthma, arthritis, headache, stomach-ache, intestinal parasites and certain psychological disturbances.
  • Decoctions of the roots are reportedly used to treat respiratory problems and backache in China.
  • The fruits are used in the treatment of malaria, coughs and colds.
  • The stem is used in febrifuge pills.
  • The fruit of some improved forms can be used to extract the juice for making beverages and desserts. The fruits are made into marmalade, eaten in salads or are used in liqueurs.