Fortunella

Fortunella is a small genus of flowering plants in the citrus family Rutaceae, commonly known as kumquats. Native to parts of southern China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, Fortunella species are grown as ornamental shrubs and fruit crops in subtropical regions worldwide. The genus has a complex taxonomic history: in some classifications it is treated as a distinct genus, Fortunella, containing species such as Fortunella margarita (Meiwa kumquat) and Fortunella japonica (Nagami kumquat); in others it is included within Citrus as a subgenus or section, with the fruits commonly referred to as kumquats.

Fortunella plants are evergreen trees or shrubs that typically reach 2–4 meters in cultivation. Leaves are glossy and elliptic; flowers are small and white and highly fragrant. The fruit is a small citrus fruit, usually about 2–4 cm long, with a thin, sweet rind and tart flesh. The rind is edible and often eaten with the pulp; fruit is typically consumed fresh, used in preserves, or candied.

Kumquat trees tolerate warmer temperate to subtropical climates and require full sun and well-drained soil. They are more cold-tolerant than many other citrus but are frost-sensitive. They are grown in garden plantings, orchards, and containers, with propagation by grafting or cuttings onto suitable rootstocks.

Fortunella fruits are valued for their edible rind and balanced flavor, and are used in jams, sauces, beverages, and garnishes. They are grown as ornamental plants in home landscapes and botanical collections. Global production centers include East Asia, the United States (notably Florida and California), the Mediterranean, and Australia.