| Citrus japonica 'Margarita' | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Citrus |
| Species: | C. margarita |
| Binomial name | |
| Citrus japonica 'Margarita' |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Fortunella japonica |
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Citrus japonica 'Margarita', or Fortunella japonica, is a species of kumquat, also known as Oval Kumquat or Nagami Kumquat, and one of the three main cultivars.[1] In 1846, Robert Fortune brought back this species of kumquat, as well as two others, from an expedition to China for the Royal Horticultural Society.[2] This species lives only in climates with hot summers, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 °C (77 to 86 °F). However, it is remarkably tolerant of frost, sometimes withstanding temperatures as low as −8 °C (18 °F).
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The Oval Kumquat is native to southern China.[3][4] Robert Fortune (after whom the genus Fortunella was named) brought it to London in 1846.[5] Fortunella margarita is the most common species of Kumquat in the United States since Glen St. Mary and Royal Palm nurseries introduced it from Japan into Florida in 1885. It has been grown for profit since 1895, most prolifically in Saint Joseph, known as the "Kumquat Capitol".[6]
Carl Peter Thunberg originally classified the kumquats as members of the citrus genus in 1784 in his book Flora Japonica. They were moved to a new genus, Fortunella, in 1915 by Walter T. Swingle in honor of Robert Fortune. In accordance with the 1994 Tokyo Code of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, the genus name reverted to Citrus.[7][8][9]
The Nagami is a small evergreen tree. The plant has small, strongly perfumed flowers that appear in late spring. In early autumn, the plant bears small, bright orange fruits which can be consumed. The fruits are ovular in shape (hence the alternate name Oval Kumquat), and may be between 1 to 2 centimetres (0.39 to 0.79 in) long. These fruits have an edible, sweet rind and a sour acidic pulp. The pulp is divided into four or five segments and contains two to three seeds.[5]
The plant itself is slow-growing and reaches a height of approximately 2.5 to 4.5 metres (8.2 to 15 ft).[10] The leaves are deep green and small, and usually grow no longer than 7 centimetres (2.8 in) and no wider than 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in).[11] In appearance, the tree somewhat resembles an orange tree.
Because of similarities in appearance, Citrus japonica 'Margarita' is sometimes confused with Citrus japonica 'Japonica'.
The Oval Kumquat's oblong, brightly-coloured fruits are often consumed by humans, and have been described as "...zesty flesh in a sleeve of skin that tastes like lavender crossed with citrus".[12] The fruit is citrus and tart in taste, and may be made into marmalade or preserves.
Citrus japonica 'Margarita', often named as Fortunella margarita 'Nagami,' is cultivated as an ornamental plant for planting in gardens, and in garden pots and container gardens on patios and terraces. The symmetrical leaves and fruiting season in winter are additional aesthetic features. It is also grown as a houseplant and in conservatories.