Can't identify tree fruit plant

[macuu222]

We have a small plant (about 3 feet tall) in our backyard that the previous owners planted that we just can't figure out. It has cherry tomato sized orange fruit....like tiny mandarin oranges(in fact when we opened one up it was segmented just like a mandarin). But they never grow any larger than the size of a quarter. Anyone have a guess?

[JerryCarr]

It could be a kumquat, a member of the citrus family. Does it taste like citrus? We have one, and the tree bears at a much smaller size than most other citrus, but it still has a woody trunk and branch structure. It tastes like an extra tart orange.

Cheers,
Jerry

[wyatt]

Could it be this..

Calamondin, calamansi, kalamansi (Hawaii), calamondin/kalamondin (Philippines), Philippine lime (Citrus madurensis loureiro or Citrofortunella mitis) originated in China and was introduced into Florida around 1900 as an acid orange. It grows wild in Asia and the Philippines and closely resembles the mandarin with its small, oblate shape and flattened or depressed ends. The peel is thin, smooth, and a bright orange, separating easily from the juicy, acidy flesh which also matches the peel. There are five to nine segments containing seeds and cotyledons grouped around a small, semihollow axis.

http://www.geocities.com/verymad_scientist/



Edited by - wyatt on 09/11/2007 08:15:08

[macuu222]

Thanks Wyatt. I believe it is a Calamondin. It fits the description perfectly.

[wyatt]

I had one in my yard I California. So when you described it I knew it was the same plant.

Aloha
Wyatt

[emorata]

I've used calamondin mainly in sauces/dressings on dishes ie fish vs trying to eat it raw (too tart)....also makes nice garnish.

[oink]

calamondin bread - yum
with cranberries in a rellish - also yum

Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.