Ichang papeda

Description

Citrus ichangensis, the Ichang papeda, is a slow-growing species of the Citrus subg. Papeda. Its foliage and flowers have a characteristic lemony scent. It is native to southwest and west-central China and is probably named in reference to the city of Yichang in Hubei province. It is sometimes called Citrus × ichangensis. The main feature of the Ichang papeda is its unusual hardiness. With the exception of Poncirus trifoliata (syn. Citrus trifoliata), it is the hardiest of the citrus fruits, tolerating both moderate frost and humid conditions. For this reason, it is perhaps the only true citrus species reliable for growing outdoors in the temperate zones of Europe and the United States. Relatively rare in cultivation, the Ichang papeda is a tall shrub or small tree, growing 3-4.5 m, and producing a small fruit similar to the mandarin orange. The leaves have a broad petiole, and visually resemble yuzu and kaffir lime leaves. The fruit has a pleasant fragrance, but robust zest, and can be oval, spherical or flattened in shape, when ripe yellow to orange in color. The fruit contains many large seeds and a small amount of sour or bitter juice; some fruits are without juice and are completely filled with white flesh and seeds. Ichang papeda is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant.