Volkamer lemon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Volkamer lemon |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Citrus
|
| Species: |
volkameriana
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana) is a special type of lemon. People in different countries call it by different names. For example, in China, it's called 沃 尔卡默柠檬. In France, it's citron de Volkamer. This fruit is a hybrid, which means it's a mix of two different citrus plants. We grow it because its fruit is good to eat. Its name, volkameriana, honors a German plant scientist named Johann Christoph Volkamer.
Contents
Where Volkamer Lemons Grow
This lemon probably first grew in Italy. Today, you can find it growing a lot in the United States and Europe. It also grows a little bit in eastern Asia.
What Does a Volkamer Lemon Look Like?
The Volkamer lemon is a mix of two other citrus fruits. It comes from a mandarin orange and a citron. The citron was the "pollen parent," and the mandarin was the "seed parent."
Fruit and Tree Features
The fruit is about the size of an orange. It is round, a bit long, and has a yellow-orange color. It has many seeds inside. The fruit tastes better than you might think! It ripens from winter to early spring.
The tree itself grows many branches. It often has so much fruit that the branches bend down. The leaves are shaped like an oval. The flowers have five white petals.
Growing Conditions
This tree grows quickly. It can adapt to many different types of soil. It can also handle cold weather down to USDA zone 9. This means it can survive temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 to -3.9 degrees Celsius).
Disease Resistance
The Volkamer lemon tree is strong against some plant diseases. It is not easily affected by:
- Tristeza virus
- Exocortis
- Xyloporosis viroids
However, it can get sick from citrus nematode (tiny worms) and phytophthora root rot. But it is still stronger against these than some other lemon types.
How Volkamer Lemons Are Used
People have been growing Volkamer lemons for about 300 years. It is very useful as a rootstock for other citrus trees. A rootstock is the bottom part of a tree that has strong roots. Other types of citrus trees are grown on top of it. This is because the Volkamer lemon is resistant to many diseases. These diseases can harm other citrus plants.
Getting Volkamer Lemon Trees
In the United States, you can get Volkamer lemon trees. They are available through a program called the Citrus Clonal Protection Program. This program helps make sure citrus trees are healthy and disease-free.
