Citrus Limon Meyer

Description

Citrus Limon Meyer, commonly known as Meyer Lemon, is a citrus fruit native to China. It is believed to be a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin or sweet orange. The fruit is small, round, and slightly flattened with a thin, smooth, and fragrant peel that ranges from yellow to orange when ripe. Its juicy pulp has a mild and sweet flavor with a low acidity level, making it a popular choice for culinary purposes.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Meyer Lemon trees are small to medium-sized evergreen trees that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges. The flowers are white and fragrant, and they bloom in clusters from late winter to spring. The fruit is usually harvested from late fall to early spring, and it has a thin, smooth, and fragrant peel that ranges from yellow to orange when ripe. The pulp is juicy, soft, and yellow with a mild and sweet flavor.

Care Guide

Meyer Lemon trees require regular care to thrive and produce fruit. Here are some tips:

• Water: The tree should be watered regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Water deeply when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer in late winter and early spring.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 is ideal.
• Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure for at least 6 hours a day to produce fruit.
• Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Meyer Lemon trees are susceptible to several pests and diseases. Here are some common ones:

• Citrus Leafminer: This pest lays its eggs inside the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Use insecticides or sticky traps to control it.
• Citrus Whitefly: This pest feeds on the sap of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Use insecticides or natural predators to control it.
• Citrus Canker: This bacterial disease causes brown lesions on the leaves, fruit, and stems. It can be controlled by pruning infected branches and using copper sprays.
• Root Rot: This fungal disease causes the roots to rot and the tree to wilt. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage.

Habitat

Meyer Lemon trees are native to China, but they are now cultivated in many parts of the world, including the United States, Mexico, and Italy. They prefer warm and humid climates and are commonly grown in home gardens and commercial orchards.

Question and Answer

Q: How do you know when a Meyer Lemon is ripe?

A: A ripe Meyer Lemon should have a smooth and fragrant peel that ranges from yellow to orange. The fruit should feel heavy and give slightly when pressed.

Q: Can Meyer Lemon trees grow indoors?

A: Yes, Meyer Lemon trees can be grown indoors as long as they receive enough sunlight and are kept in a warm and humid environment.

Q: How often should you prune a Meyer Lemon tree?

A: Meyer Lemon trees should be pruned once a year in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased wood and promote new growth.

Q: How long does it take for a Meyer Lemon tree to produce fruit?

A: Meyer Lemon trees can start producing fruit within 3 to 5 years after planting.

Related Plants

• Citrus Limon
• Citrus Sinensis
• Citrus Reticulata
• Citrus Paradisi

References

• “Meyer Lemon.” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. ucanr.edu.
• “Citrus limon ‘Meyer’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. missouribotanicalgarden.org.
• “Meyer Lemon Trees: 7 Secrets for Loads of Fruit.” Gardening Know How. gardeningknowhow.com.