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{{Taxobox
| color =lightgreen
| name = Limequat
| image = Limequat.jpg|thumb
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = A Eustis Limequat
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| subclassis = [[Rosidae]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Rutaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Citrus]]''
| species = '''''C. ''×'' Fortunella'''''
| binomial = ''Citrus ''×'' Fortunella''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]) Burm.f.
}}
The '''limequat''' is a [[citrus|citrus tree]] and the result of a cross between the [[Lime (fruit)|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 [[seed]]s 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 [[variety (biology)|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. [http://www.homecitrusgrowers.co.uk/citrusvarieties/uncommon1.html]

*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.

==External links==
* http://commhum.mccneb.edu/fstdatabase/HTM_files/Fruit/limequat.htm

{{fruit-stub}}

[[Category:Citrus]]

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