Limequat

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Limequats / Limquats
A limequat / limquat (above) compared to the original lime and kumquat types

Limequat s or Limquat s ( Citrus × floridana (J.Ingram & H.Moore) Mabb.) Are citrus fruits that were created as a hybrid by crossing the real lime ( Citrus × aurantiifolia ) with two forms of the kumquat ( Fortunella margarita ).

description

The limequat grows as a small, evergreen tree or shrub and usually reaches heights of no more than 2.5 meters. The branches are slightly thorn . The leaves are elongated. It blooms whitish.

The fruits of the Limequat are small fruits, usually 2 to 4 cm in size - with a green, thin skin that has a thin mesocarp over a white, juicy flesh that is divided into six to nine segments and contains light brown seeds. The flesh has an intensely sour taste, the peel has the intense aroma of lime.

Systematics

The Limequats were created in 1909 by the botanist Walter Tennyson Swingle (1871–1952) in Florida , who named them in 1913. It is the only significant cross between real lime and any other citrus fruit. The scientific name Citrus × floridana was derived from the US state Florida, where the hybrid originated.

Synonyms for Citrus × floridana (J.Ingram & H.Moore) Mabb are: × Citrofortunella floridana (JWIngram & HEMoore ), × Citrofortunella swinglei (JWIngram & HEMoore) (named after the breeder Walter Tennyson Swingle ).

sorts

There are three types:

  • "Eustis": Cross of the real lime with the round shape of the kumquat - named after the city of Eustis in Florida . Smaller than the “Lakeland” variety and richer in seeds. "Eustis" is the most commonly grown variety.
  • "Lakeland": Cross of the real lime with the round shape of the kumquat - named after the city of Lakeland in Florida . Larger than the “Eustis” variety and with fewer seeds.
  • "Tavares": Cross of the real lime with the oval shape of the kumquat - named after the town of Tavares in Florida . "Tavares" forms somewhat elongated fruits with an orange skin.

Cultivation

The advantage of the limequat compared to the real lime lies in its higher tolerance to cold / lower heat requirement, which also enables it to be grown in subtropical areas.

The cultivation takes place (among other things) in the southern states of the USA , Italy , Spain , Israel , South Africa etc., from where they are exported. Limequats are also used as an ornamental plant in suitable regions .

The economic importance of the cultivation of limequats is low, as these are usually much more expensive than the fruits of the real lime . Therefore, it is a fruit that is offered more as a curiosity or for decorative purposes.

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