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citrus: limequat

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Citrus_Limequat_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

citrus: limequat

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Citrus × floridana (J. Ingram & H. Moore) Mabb.

Family

Rutaceae

Species Description

Limequats are hybrids between the lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and kumquat species (Fortunella spp.), developed by Walter Swingle at a U.S. Department of Agriculture research station in Florida around 1909. There are three cultivars, 'Eustis,' 'Lakeland,' and 'Tavares.' The trees are very thorny with spreading, arching branches. The fruit is small, round to oval, yellow-green to yellow-orange depending on the cultivar, with acidic flesh and a sweeter rind, and contains many seeds.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Cultural-Historic Notes

This hybrid was developed in Florida at a USDA experiment station in 1909. The tree is now grown in the U.S. as well as Japan, Isreal, Spain, Malaysia, South Africa, Armenia, and the United Kingdom.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

10 feet

Tree Height

10 feet

Lifespan

50+ years

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

1-2 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Limequats are more cold hardy than limes, but less cold-hardy than kumquats. They can be grown inside or covered if temperatures fall below about 20 degrees F.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Limequat trees prefer full sun and a spacing of 25 ft apart each way for maximum production. Citrus trees are very spiny so care should be taken in their placement, especially in public spaces

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

High: 35-60 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Citrus need about 4-6 inches of water per month in the summer

CARE

Pollination

Flowers are self-fertile and also may be cross-pollinated. Honey bees effective at pollinating flowers.

Soils

Citrus can grow on a wide range of soil types from sand to loam to heavy clay as long as they are well drained. Ideal pH of 6-6.5. Different rootstocks prefer different soil types.

Propagation

Limequats may be propagated from seeds; remove flesh and soak seeds for one to several days. Keep seeds moist until germination. Limequat trees may also be propagated by grafting or air layering.

Pest & Disease Control

Citrus are prone to many diseases and pests. We recommend consulting the Cooperative Extension citrus specialist.

Pruning Notes

Citrus trees should be trained to a suitable shape with open center. Three objectives: increase total leaf area, improve airflow through canopy, and increase light to branches. Proper training keeps tree the correct size for ease of care and harvest. Remove long, vigorous upright shoots to control tree size. Dead and crossing branches should be removed. Watersprouts should be removed from the base of the tree, as should branches that touch the ground. Prune citrus in January and February. When pruning, cut all limbs flat to the branch at the point of attachment.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Limequats are yellow-green to yellow-orange when ripe, depending on the cultivar. They may be eaten whole, and the rind is subacid like a kumquat, while the flesh is acidic like a lime. The fruits can be used in cooking as in any recipe calling for lemon or lime. They are also great in marmalades and added to cold drinks.

Harvest Months

January
February
March
November
December

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.