SafePlants

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium)

Bitter orange, also known as Seville orange, bigarade orange, or marmalade orange, refers to the citrus tree Citrus aurantium and its fruit. It is also known as sour orange. The Seville orange is especially prized for making marmalade.

Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium

Common Names: Bitter orange, Seville orange, bigarade orange, marmalade orange, sour orange

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium
• Family: Rutaceae
• Synonyms: Citrus amara, Citrus bigarradia, Citrus vulgaris

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Citrus aurantium is used to produce essential oils.
• The text also references the use of the peel of the fruit.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Citrus aurantium is used to produce essential oils.
• The text also references the use of the peel of the fruit.

Distribution and Habitat

• The bitter orange is native to Africa, Arabia, and Syria.
• It was brought to the Mediterranean and southern Europe around 1200 C.E.
• Common ornamental fruit trees, especially in the southwest.
• Widely cultivated in warm regions.
• More than 14,000 bitter orange trees decorate the streets of Seville.

Morphological Characteristics

• 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.
• Has reddish-orange, highly acidic fruit.
• The fruit is picked when it is a dark green color when making extract.

Uses

• The dried outer peel of the fruit is used medicinally.
• The leaves are also commonly used in many folk medicines.
• Extracts are found in weight-loss supplements and supplements sold for various health concerns.
• Used to make marmalade.
• Bitter Orange Essential Oil is used for congested skin, stress, anxiety, insomnia and digestive upsets.
• Bitter Orange extract is commonly referred to as a fat-burner.

Quirky Facts

• Snoop Dogg (/Lion/zilla) alluded to the unique taste of the fruit in one of his songs.
• The city of Seville has more than 14,000 bitter orange trees decorating its streets.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• One study examined the effectiveness of bitter orange in combination with caffeine and St. John's Wort versus placebo.

Further Information

• Nature's Way offers a standardized bitter orange supplement.