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Unshu orange
Scientific Name: Citrus reticulata ssp. unshiu
Family: Rutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Citrus unshiu: The Seedless Mandarin
Citrus unshiu, commonly known as Unshu mikan, cold hardy mandarin, Satsuma mandarin, Satsuma orange, or Christmas Orange, is a popular citrus fruit prized for its seedless nature and easy-peeling skin. It is also referred to by various common names, including Mandarin, Tangerine, Unshu orange, and Temple Orange.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Citrus unshiu
- Synonyms: Citrus mangshanensis, Citrus reticulata Blanco var. unshu, Citrus unshiu Marcovitch
- Family: Rutaceae
- Taxonomic Rank: Often classified as a subspecies, e.g., Citrus reticulata Blanco subsp. unshiu (Marcow.) D.Rivera Nez et al.
Distribution and Habitat
Originally from Japan, where it's known as mikan or unshu mikan, Citrus unshiu is widely cultivated in regions with mild climates. The area around the Setonaikai Inland Sea in Japan is particularly known for its production. The plant was transplanted to Florida in 1878 and became known as Satsuma orange in the United States. Kyushu is another area where this orange is grown.
Morphological Characteristics
- Flowers develop from the apical meristem, either terminally or in the axils of the current shoot.
- Rare blossom-bud formation occurs on the branches.
Traditional Uses
The peel of the Unshu orange has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, suggesting that it contains biologically active substances.