Mandarin

Common Name: Mandarin

Chinese Name: 柑橘

Family: Rutaceae 芸香科

Scientific Name: Citrus reticulata

Plant Type: Angiosperms (Dicotyledons)

Flowering Period: Apr - May

Nativity to China/HK: Exotic

Height: 3-8 m

Fact:

• It is a fruit tree with a symmetrical and round canopy, native to Southeast Asia. Sometimes, spines can be found on the slender branches.

• The Mandarin has elliptic, dark green leaves with an obtuse apex and broadly acute base.

• The leaves are 3-6 cm lonf and 2-4 cm wide each, with yellow spots, oil glands,found on the leaves under sunlight.

• The white fragrant flowers bloom in early summer. Each bisexual flower has a 1.5-2.5 cm diameter. It consists of 5 petals, 20 stamens and 1 carpel.

• The fragrance of the flowers attracts hoards of honey bees for insect pollination.

• The fruits are juicy and sweet, coated with loose and thin skin. They are oblate-shaped with a 5-8 cm diameter. Immature fruits are green in colour, which become orange or yellow when mature Citrus fruits stop ripening after they are picked from the trees.

• They are drought resistant but can be easily damaged by cold weather.

• Mandarin can be eaten plain or used to make salads. The dried peel of the citric fruit can be used to regulate ch'i in Traditional Chinese medicine. It can also treat abdominal distention, reduce phlegm and facilitate digestion.

• Mandarin oil can be extracted from the ripe fruits growing in different climates or altitudes, which is used by aromatherapists to relieve stress, improve skin conditions and treat insomnia.