Contents
Description
Citrus Limon, commonly known as the Lemon Tree, is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to Asia but is now widely cultivated in different parts of the world, especially in Mediterranean countries, Australia, and California. The Lemon Tree is known for its oval-shaped yellow fruit, which is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes, such as making lemonade, cooking, cleaning, and even in cosmetics.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Citrus |
| Species | Citrus Limon |
Appearance
The Lemon Tree can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded shape with thorny branches. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and ovate with a slightly serrated edge. The flowers are white or pinkish and fragrant, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the Lemon Tree is a juicy and acidic oval-shaped berry with a yellow rind and a sour pulp.
Care Guide
The Lemon Tree requires regular care to thrive and produce fruit. Here are some tips:
- Water: Water your Lemon Tree regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Lemon Tree with a citrus-specific fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
- Soil: Plant your Lemon Tree in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
- Sunlight: The Lemon Tree requires full sunlight for at least six hours a day.
- Hardiness Zones: The Lemon Tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lemon Tree is susceptible to some pests and diseases, such as:
- Scale insects: These pests suck the sap from the tree and cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
- Citrus leaf miner: This pest creates tunnels in the leaves, causing them to curl and distort.
- Citrus canker: This bacterial disease causes lesions on the fruit, leaves, and twigs, leading to premature fruit drop and tree decline.
Habitat
The Lemon Tree grows best in warm and humid climates, such as the Mediterranean region, Australia, and California. It prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a Lemon Tree to produce fruit?
A: It takes about three to five years for a Lemon Tree to produce fruit.
Q: Can you grow a Lemon Tree from a seed?
A: Yes, you can grow a Lemon Tree from a seed, but it may not produce the same fruit quality as the parent tree.
Q: How often should you prune a Lemon Tree?
A: You should prune a Lemon Tree once a year to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain its shape.
Q: Can you grow a Lemon Tree in a pot?
A: Yes, you can grow a Lemon Tree in a pot, but make sure it has enough space, sunlight, and nutrients to grow.
Related Plants
- Citrus aurantifolia (Lime)
- Citrus sinensis (Orange)
- Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit)
- Citrus reticulata (Mandarin)
References
- “Citrus Limon.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c889. Accessed 28 May 2021.
- “Lemon.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg214. Accessed 28 May 2021.
- “Citrus Limon (L.) Osbeck.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30017339-2. Accessed 28 May 2021.
