| Myrtle-leaved orange tree | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chinottooranges growing on a tree | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Citrus |
| Species: | C. myrtifolia |
| Binomial name | |
| Citrus myrtifolia | |
Citrus myrtifolia (chinotto), themyrtle-leaved orange tree, is a species ofCitrus with foliage similar to that of thecommon myrtle. It is a compact tree with small leaves and no thorns which grows to a height of three metres (10 ft) and can be found inMalta,Libya, thesouth of France, andItaly (primarily inLiguria, typicallySavona, and also inTuscany,Sicily, andCalabria).
The fruit of the tree resembles smalloranges. It has a bitter flavor and is commonly called by its Italian name,chinotto (Italian pronunciation:[kiˈnɔtto]). It is an essentialflavoring agent of most Italianamari, of the popularCampariapéritif, and of several brands of carbonated soft drinks that are generically called"chinotto".
Citrus myrtifolia is sometimes planted in gardens. Due to its compactness, it can also be planted in a pot or other container.
The plant produces small bitter fruits which can be used to make jams, candied fruits, and syrups. Such processing reduces the bitter taste. Chinotto juice can be used to produce a drink, and is a component of somedigestifs.[1]
Media related toCitrus 'Myrtifolia' at Wikimedia Commons
Data related toCitrus myrtifolia at Wikispecies