SafePlants

Citrus maxima: The Pomelo (and More!)

The name "Shaddock" can be confusing! It's sometimes used as a common name for the Citrus maxima, also known as pomelo, pomello, pummelo, pommelo, pamplemousse, or jabong (in Hawaii). Be aware that 'shaddock' may also refer to other things, such as NATO codenames for Soviet missiles.

Citrus maxima, the plant we're focusing on here, is a citrus tree.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that citrus trees, including Citrus maxima, are often thorny.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that citrus trees, including Citrus maxima, are often thorny.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Citrus maxima (or Citrus grandis)
• Family: Rutaceae
• Common Names: pomelo, pomello, pummelo, pommelo, pamplemousse, jabong (Hawaii), shaddick, shaddock

Distribution and Habitat

• Citrus maxima is native to mainland Southeast Asia and the Malaysian portion of the island.

Morphological Characteristics

• The Citrus maxima tree can reach 6-13 meters (20-43 feet) in height.
• It is allied to the orange and the lemon.
• The fruit is described as an exotic large citrus fruit.

Quirky Facts

• The name "shaddock" may come from a Captain Shaddock, a 17th-century Englishman who supposedly brought the seed to the West Indies from the East Indies. Another source suggests a Captain Philip Chaddock.
• The fruit is also called "Chinese grapefruit."