Citrus sinensis

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  • Herbarium No: UPH NO. 939
  • Citrus sinensis
  • (L.) Osbeck
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Citrus sinensis
  • Genus: Citrus
  • Synonym: Citrus aurantium L.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Orange
  • Family: Rutaceae
  • Botanical Description: Citrus sinensis is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters). It has a rounded canopy with dense foliage. The trunk is usually covered with rough, greyish-brown bark, and the branches may bear thorns, though some cultivated varieties are thornless. The leaves of Citrus sinensis are elliptical to ovate in shape, with a glossy, dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green hue on the underside. They are arranged alternately along the branches and emit a citrusy aroma when crushed. The flowers of Citrus sinensis are white, fragrant, and waxy in appearance, with five petals. They typically bloom in clusters at the tips of branches, usually in the spring or early summer, depending on the climate. The flowers are usually hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive organs. The fruit of Citrus sinensis, known as the sweet orange, is spherical to slightly oval in shape, with a smooth, thin peel that ranges in color from yellow-orange to deep orange, depending on the variety and ripeness. The flesh is segmented and juicy, with a sweet and tangy flavor. Sweet oranges are divided into two main categories: navel oranges, which have a characteristic "navel" or small secondary fruit embedded at the blossom end, and non-navel oranges. Some varieties are seedless, while others may contain a few to numerous seeds.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Sweet orange trees typically flower in the spring, usually from March to May. fruiting period usually follows several months after flowering. typically from October to December.
  • Plant Uses: Culinary Purposes, Preserves and Maermalads and beverages
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: Abuja Park University of Port Harcourt
  • Habit: Tree
  • Mode: Cultivated

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