| Citrus indica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Citrus |
| Species: | C. indica |
| Binomial name | |
| Citrus indica | |
Citrus indica is a species of hybridCitrus known by the common nameIndian wild orange.[3][4]
It is native to South Asia.
This wild orange plant was originally characterized as one of the likely ancestors of today's cultivated citrus fruits, if not the main one.[4] It was considered to be the most "primitive" citrus.[5] However, genomic analysis has revealed it to be a citrus hybrid, with maternalcitron ancestry and alsomandarin orange and unspecifiedpapeda contributions.[6] It can be used as acitrus rootstock for cultivated citrus.[5]
Recent searches of the plant's reported home range confirmed its presence only inMeghalaya, where it grows in theGaro Hills.[4]
This species is used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by theGaro people. The fruit is used to treatjaundice andstomach conditions in humans and animals, and it was used to treatsmallpox. It is also used for spiritual purposes.
This plant is considered to be anendangered species.[4] Threats to the species have includedhabitat destruction caused byslash-and-burn (jhum) activity.[5] This plant requires a specificmicroclimate,[4] and appropriate habitat is limited. TheNokrek Biosphere Reserve is an important site for the species, and its presence inspired the creation of the National Citrus Gene Sanctuary within the reserve.[7]
