Limequat
| Limequat | ||||||||||||||||
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 A Eustis Limequat | ||||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||
| Citrus × Fortunella (L.) Burm.f. | ||||||||||||||||
The limequat is a citrus tree and the result of a cross between the lime and the kumquat. It is a member of citrofortunella.
Description
It is a small tree that grows into a contained bushy form. The leaves are characteristicly citrus like. The limequat produces an abundance of fruit even at a young age. The fruit is small, oval, greenish yellow and contains seeds or pips. It has a sweet tasting skin and a bitter sweet pulp that tastes similar to limes. The fruit can be eaten whole or the juice and rind can be used to flavour drinks and dishes. It has considerable amounts of vitamin C and is strongly acidic.
Originating in China, this plant is now grown in Japan, Israel, Spain, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States in California and Florida. The fruit can be found, in small quantities, during the fall and winter months in the United States.
There are three varieties of Limequat, resulting from different crosses between Citrus aurantifolia and Fortunella. They were produced in Florida, USA, and named Lakeland, Eustis and Tavares after towns in that state, with Eustis being the most common. Some recent research suggests that genetic investigation pointed to Tavares being a lemon x kumquat hybrid. Its shape and colour seems to confirm that suggestion. The Tavares is a rather larger fruit than the average length of about 4cms, but shows the typically more elongated shape than the Eustis variety. The Tavares fruit is a strong yellow colour when ripe, whereas Eustis often ripens patchily with pale yellow and green areas. [1]
- Lakeland -
- Eustis - It has a strong lime flavor. Fruit gets it's shape from Kumquat and it's flavor from 'Mexican Lime'. Ever bearing and highly productive. Somewhat more cold hardy than lime parent. Small foliage. Needs occasional pruning to keep full.
- Tavares -
Care
Limequats can be grown indoors or outdoors providing the temperature stays between 10°C to 30°C. They are fairly small and can be planted in containers or pots. Plant limequats in a well drained fertile soil. Incorporate a good compost with some gravel or sand. Plant anytime of the year, watering in well. Water when dry and add a fertiliser occasionally. It can be pruned to keep a shape.
