sitrus

Sitrus is a term sometimes used to refer to citrus-related plants, but it is not a formal taxonomic name. In standard botany, the genus Citrus, in the family Rutaceae, comprises the cultivated fruits known as citrus. The best-known species include Citrus sinensis (sweet orange), Citrus reticulata (mandarins), Citrus limon (lemon), Citrus aurantium (bitter orange), and Citrus paradisi (grapefruit). Many cultivated varieties are hybrids or selections derived from these species, such as tangor, clementine, and the navel orange. The classification of Citrus is complex due to interspecific hybridization and ongoing taxonomic revisions; some scientists treat many cultivated forms as varieties of a few species, while others recognize additional species.

Description: Citrus plants are evergreen trees or shrubs with glossy leaves, often spiny in wild forms. Flowers are white and fragrant. Fruits have a leathery rind and segmented interiors with juice vesicles.

Distribution and cultivation: Native to subtropical Asia, citrus plants are now grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. They require well-drained soils, full sun, and protection from frost. Propagation is commonly by grafting onto rootstocks to improve vigor and disease resistance.

Uses: Fruits are eaten fresh or processed into juice, marmalade, or zest. Essential oils from peels are used in perfumery and flavoring.

Threats: Citrus crops face diseases such as huanglongbing (citrus greening) and citrus canker, and pests like aphids and citrus mites. Management includes resistant rootstocks and integrated pest management.

Etymology and notes: The term "sitrus" may be a misspelling or informal variant of "citrus."