Citrus x floridana - Limequat Citrus Tree

The Limequat, in Latin Citrus floridana, is the result of cross-breeding between the Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and the Kumquat (Citrus japonica). It is a very vigorous citrus tree, from the Rutaceae family, with a bushy, compact and dense habit. It produces very unique oval-round fruits with smooth green-yellow skin and juicy, acidic and bitter flesh, similar to that of a lime but more flavourful. Very productive even when young, it is also appreciated for its numerous deliciously fragrant white flowers and its undeniable ornamental interest.

The Limequat is a hybrid selected by the American Walter Tennyson Swingle in 1909. This small tree reaches a height of 3 m (9 ft 10 in) and spreads over about 2 m. Its branches are short. Hardy down to -6°C, it can be planted in the ground only in warm climates. Elsewhere, it will be grown in a pot and stored indoors at the first sign of cold weather. Cultivated mainly for its fruits, the limequat blooms abundantly in March-April, and then again, more sporadically, until autumn. It produces small white flowers, slightly tinged with yellow at the centre and with a delicate and delicious neroli perfume, characteristic of Citrus. They give way to oval to rounded fruits, resembling yellow limes, measuring 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3.1 in) in diameter. Their very thin, smooth skin is initially dark green and then turns green-yellow. The fruit pulp, white-greenish and translucent, is both very juicy and very acidic and contains a few seeds. The fruits are harvested when the skin turns yellow, but they can also be harvested while still green if a higher acidity and essential oil content is desired. The evergreen and aromatic leaves of this citrus are ovate, leathery, small and intense green.

The Limequat is used in a similar way to lime. In cooking, it can be used in savoury or sweet dishes. Its juice is used in refreshing drinks or cocktails, adding a touch of acidity and a unique aroma. The zest is sometimes used to flavour pastries. The Limequat is also very rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), as well as vitamins A and B. Easy to store, this citrus was once carried on sailing ships, providing a good source of vitamins to combat scurvy.

Like all Citrus, the Limequat contains essential oil pockets in its leaves, flowers, and fruits, often visible to the naked eye. These can be extracted by distillation (flowers and leaves) or by pressing (zest) to obtain essential oil with balancing properties that are slightly sedative and help to recentre vital energies. The essential oil is stimulating and known to facilitate blood circulation. The fragrance of the essential oil is described as fresh, lemony and acidic, with slightly sweet and bitter notes.

Moderately hardy, Citrus floridana starts to suffer from cold temperatures as low as 0°C (32 °F). It is a self-fertile bush, which means that a single plant is sufficient for complete pollination and fruit set.