Citrofortunella facts for kids
Citrofortunella are a cool group of plants. They are special because they are a mix of two different types of citrus fruits. Think of them as a hybrid, like a mule is a mix of a horse and a donkey. These plants combine a kumquat with another citrus fruit, like a tangerine or a lime. They are known for their small, often sour fruits and their ability to grow in colder places.
What are Citrofortunella?
For a long time, scientists thought kumquats were very different from other citrus fruits. They put kumquats in their own plant group called Fortunella. Other citrus fruits, like lemons and oranges, were in the Citrus group. When scientists crossed a kumquat with a citrus fruit, the new plant was a mix of these two groups. So, they made a new name for these mixed plants: Citrofortunella. This name combines "Citrus" and "Fortunella." However, newer studies show that kumquats are actually part of the Citrus family after all. This means that all these mixed plants are just special types of Citrus too.
Why are they Special?
Citrofortunella plants are very useful. They combine good traits from both parent plants. For example, they can handle cold weather better than many regular citrus trees. This is because kumquats are naturally tough against the cold. These plants usually grow small, sour fruits. They are also smaller plants overall. This makes them great for growing in gardens or even in pots. Many people grow them because they look pretty, so they are also called ornamental plants.
Types of Citrofortunella
Many types of Citrofortunella have been created. Some have been around for a long time, like the calamansi. Others are more recent, made in the 1900s. Their common names often combine the '-quat' ending from kumquat with a hint of the other parent fruit. Here are some examples:
- Calamansi (or Calamondin) – This is a mix of a tangerine and a kumquat.
- Citrangequat – This plant is a cross between a citrange and a kumquat.
- Limequat – Also known as Citrofortunella floridana, it's a mix of a Key lime and a kumquat.
- Mandarinquat – Varieties like 'Nippon' and 'Indio' are from a satsuma mandarin crossed with a kumquat.
- Procimequat – This is a hybrid of a limequat and a kumquat.
- Sunquat – This plant is probably a mix of a Meyer lemon and a kumquat.
- Yuzuquat – This is a cross between a yuzu and a kumquat.
See also
In Spanish: Citrofortunella para niños
