citrusfruit

Citrus fruit refers to the fruits produced by trees and shrubs of the genus Citrus in the family Rutaceae. The group includes well-known crops such as the sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), lemon (Citrus limon), lime (Citrus aurantiifolia and other species), grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi), mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and citron (Citrus medica). Citrus fruits are typically round to oblong, with a leathery rind that contains aromatic oils and a juicy inner flesh divided into segments.

Most citrus species are native to subtropical and tropical Asia, with domestication occurring in various regions including China, India, and Southeast Asia. Over centuries, natural hybridization and human selection produced a wide range of cultivars, many of which are triploid and require grafting onto hardy rootstocks. Today citrus crops are grown in temperate to tropical climates worldwide, with major production concentrated in parts of the Americas, the Mediterranean, and Asia. They are cultivated in orchards using propagation by grafting or budding, and their production depends on warm weather, well-drained soils, and adequate water.

Citrus fruits are valued for fresh consumption, juice, and culinary use, as well as for essential oils and peels used in flavorings and fragrances. They are typically rich in vitamin C, dietary fiber, and flavonoids, contributing to their nutritional and economic importance. Common pests and diseases include citrus greening, canker, and fruit flies, which influence management practices such as resistant rootstocks, vector control, and sanitation.