| Citrus cavaleriei | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Citrus |
| Species: | C. cavaleriei |
| Binomial name | |
| Citrus cavaleriei H.Lév. ex Cavalerie | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Citrus cavaleriei, theIchang papeda (Chinese:宜昌橙), is a slow-growing species ofpapeda that has characteristiclemon-scented foliage and flowers.
It is native to southwestern and west-central China[1] and is likely named for the city ofYichang (宜昌), in China'sHubei province.
The Ichang papeda is notable for its unusualhardiness. With the exception ofPoncirus trifoliata, it is the hardiest citrus plant, tolerating both moderate frost and damp conditions.[2]
Relatively rare in cultivation, the Ichang papeda is a large shrub or small tree, growing to 3–4.5 m (9.8–14.8 ft),[3] and produces a small,mandarin-like fruit. Leaves feature a broadpetiole, and resemble the leaves of theyuzu and thekaffir lime in appearance. The fruit has a fragrant, but rugged rind, and may be oval, spherical, or flattened in shape, ripening to yellow or orange. It contains many largemonoembryonic seeds and a small quantity of bitter or sour juice; some fruits lack juice entirely and are instead filled with a mass of pith and seeds.[citation needed]
The Ichang papeda is occasionally grown as an ornamental plant.[citation needed]
The Ichang papeda has been hybridised with many other citrus varieties, notably to produce hybrids that are relativelycold-hardy. Many of these hybrids also have many culinary applications:
