SafePlants

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Bitter orange, also known as Seville orange, s orange, bigarade orange, or marmalade orange, refers to both the citrus tree (Citrus aurantium) and its fruit. It's a hybrid citrus with a distinctive bitter taste.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that bitter orange trees can have thorns.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that bitter orange trees can have thorns.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium
• Common Names: Bitter orange, Seville orange, s orange, bigarade orange, marmalade orange.
• Family: Rutaceae (implied as it's a citrus)
• Synonyms: Citrus amara, Citrus bigarradia, Citrus vulgaris
• Other names found in the text: Naranja Agria

Distribution and Habitat

• The text indicates that bitter orange has prehistoric origins in Southeast Asia, specifically China and India.
• It was brought to other regions by early explorers.
• It is widely cultivated in warm regions.
• The text mentions that the first Spaniards planted s orange seeds in St. Augustine, Florida.
• By 1763, they had been adopted by most early settlers and local populations in Florida.
• Seville has over 14,000 bitter orange trees that decorate the streets.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The tree ranges in height from less than 10 ft (3 m) to 30 ft (9 m).
• It is more erect and has a more compact crown than the sweet orange.
• Bitter orange grows as a perennial evergreen.
• The text mentions that bitter orange trees can have thorns.
• The fruit is reddish-orange and highly acidic.

Uses

• Bitter oranges are commonly used to make marmalade.
• Seville oranges are commonly used for their oil extract.
• S orange is also used fresh or dried as a key ingredient or garnish in Middle Eastern cooking.
• Bitter orange oil is made from the plant.
• Bitter orange extracts are found in weight-loss supplements and supplements sold for a variety of health concerns.
• It can be used as a seasoning, much like lime juice, in salsas, marinades, and soups.
• S orange can be substituted for lemon in recipes.

Quirky Facts

• Snoop Dogg (/Lion/zilla) may have been referring to the bitter undertones of s oranges in his song "Gin & Juice" (according to the text).
• Apparently an Englishwoman in 1700, the wife of a grocer, was stuck with some s oranges that were bought cheaply from a boat that was (likely the origin of marmalade).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• S orange is used as rootstock because the Brown Citrus Aphid is coincidentally managed.

Further Information

• CRC 3856. PI 539169. VI 95. SEVILLE. Photos by David Karp, CVC, 2/11/2008. Photo rights. VITA. Photos by David…