Fortunella japonica (Kumquat)
Botanical Information
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Fortunella |
| Species | japonica |
| Synonyms | Fortunella margarita, Citrus margarita |
| Category | Tropicals |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | China and Japan. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Can be eaten fresh, used in jellies and marmalades or candied and put into jars for preservation. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8b-11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 9 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c-H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -12.2 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 10- 50 |
| Height | 3-4 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | November, December |
Description and Growing Information
| Landscape | Can be grown as a hedge, in a pot or container or as an accent. |
| Propagation | Propagated from seeds. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in climates where temperatures do not fall below 4°C. Grows best in full sun if summer temperatures are low or filtered light in summer. The plant requires protection as it is delicate. Roots need to be kept cool. |
| Notable Specimens | Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Flower Description | The flowers are white, 12 mm across. The fragrance is very strong and is described as sweet and rich. |
| Fruit Description | 5 cm long, orange fruit, both the skin and flesh are edible. |
Photographs
Fortunella japonica, form. Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Fortunella japonica, leaf. Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Fortunella japonica, fruit. Pinewood Estates, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.