World Plants

Citrus sinensis (Sweet Orange)

Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Citrus
Species	sinensis
Synonyms	Citrus aurantium sinensis.
Category	Tropicals, Woody
Type	Tree (evergreen)
Origin	Southern China.
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer	Eaten fresh, used in juice and a variety of desserts.
Pronunciation

USDA Hardiness Zone	9 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone	Requires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Zone	H1c - H4
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)	-10 - 10
Temperature (°F)	14 - 50
Height	7.5 - 15 m
Growth	Medium
Flowering Period	January, February, March, April, December

General Description	Medium sized tree that grows the world’s most popular fruit.
Propagation	By seed.
Cultivation	Grows best in full sun with well-drained medium to soil. Let soil dry between waterings.
Pests	Mediterranean fruit flies, fungal leaf spots, blights, aphids, sooty mold, root rot, and viruses. Xylella a bacterial disease is a serious threat to many horticultures crops due to its virulence and wide range of species it can infect. It can infect more than 560 species with wide ranging symptoms including leaf scorch, yellowing and scorching, wilt, branch and twig dieback and plant death. These symptoms can be identical to other symptoms such as drought and weather stress. Infected plants show symptoms within a few years after planting.
Notable Specimens	Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Leaf Description	Shape ranges from oblong to oval. 6.5 - 15 cm long and 2.5 - 9.5 cm wide, often with narrow wings on the petioles.
Flower Description	Fragrant, produced in clusters of up to 6, 5 cm wide, with 5 petals and 20 to 25 stamens.
Fruit Description	Shape is globose to oval and is 6.5 - 9.5 cm wide. Skin contains numerous small oil glands. The flesh is typically juicy and sweet, divided into 10 - 14 segments.
Colour Description	Flowers are white with yellow stamens. Fruit skin ripens to orange or yellow. Fruit flesh can be yellow, orange, or red.
Texture Description	Leaves are leathery and glossy.