Herb Of The Week - Bitter Orange - Plants For A Future

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Citrus aurantium

 

 

 

Common name: Bitter orange Family: Rutaceae

Author: L. Botanical references: 200

Synonyms: Citrus vulgaris (Risso.), Citrus bigarradia (Loisel.)

Known Hazards: None known

Range: Tropical Asia?

Habitat: Original habitat is obscure, possibly a back cross

involving C. maxima X C. reticulata[200].

Plants For A Future Rating (1-5): 2

 

Other Possible Synonyms: From various places across the web, may

not be correct. See below

<http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Citrus+aurantium & CAN=COMIN

D#WEBREFS> .

C. aurantium amara[H] C. aurantium ssp. aurantium[P] C. bigaradia[E,H]

C. vulgaris bigaradia[H] C. vulgaris var. bigaradia[H]

Other Common Names: From various places around the Web, may not be

correct. See below

<http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Citrus+aurantium & CAN=COMIN

D#WEBREFS> .

Bergamot [E], Bitter Orange [H], Ch'Eng [E], Chin Ch'Iu [E], Coolie

Orange [E], Hua Chu Hung [E], Kuang Chu [E], Naranja Agria [E], Naranja

De Babor [E], Naranjo Amargo [E], Orange [E], Orange Sure [E], Oranger

[E], Seville Orange [H], Sour Orange [b,H,P], Turunc [E], Z'Orange Sure

[E],

Other Range Info: From the Ethnobotany

<http://ars-genome.cornell.edu/Botany/aboutethnobotdb.html> Database

China; Curacao; Dominican Republic; Ecuador(Jivaro); Haiti;

India(Santal); Mexico; Mexico(Chinantec); Spain; Trinidad; Turkey; Us;

Us(Ny); Venezuela

Plant Passport required for Trade in UK/EU From DEFRA

<http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/publicat/passport/index.htm> Plant

passporting.

Plant Passport Required for trade in the UK/Europe.

 

 

Physical Characteristics

 

 

An evergreen tree growing to 9m by 6m . It is hardy to zone 9 and is

frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June. The

scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and

are pollinated by Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual

fusion) and insects. The plant is self-fertile. We rate it 2 out of 5

for usefulness.

 

The plant prefers medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires

well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils and can grow

in very alkaline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires moist

soil.

 

 

Habitats and Possible Locations

 

 

Woodland, Sunny Edge, By Walls, By South Wall, By West Wall.

 

 

Edible Uses

 

 

Condiment; Fruit; Oil.

 

Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 3]. Very bitter[46]. It is used in making

marmalade and other preserves[3, 46, 61, 183]. The fruit is about 5 -

7cm in diameter[200].

 

The rind of the fruit is often used as a flavouring in cakes etc[1, 4].

Used in 'bouquet garni'[183].

 

An oil obtained from the seeds contains linolenic acid and is becoming

more widely used as a food because of its ability to reduce levels of

cholesterol in the blood[7].

 

The flowers are used for scenting tea[183].

 

An essential oil from the dried peel of immature fruits is used as a

food flavouring[183].

 

 

Medicinal Uses

 

 

Disclaimer <http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/D_med.html#DISCLAIM>

 

Antibacterial; Antiemetic; Antifungal; Antispasmodic; Antitussive;

Aromatherapy; Carminative; Contraceptive; Diaphoretic; Digestive;

Miscellany; Sedative; Stimulant; Stomachic; Tonic.

 

 

Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research

is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C,

flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as

bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes

added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the

skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some

people[238]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources

of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[238].

The plants also contain umbelliferone, which is antifungal, as well as

essential oils that are antifungal and antibacterial[218]. They also

contain the pyrone citrantin, which shows antifertility activity and was

once used as a component of contraceptives[218].

 

Both the leaves and the flowers are antispasmodic, digestive and

sedative[7, 9]. An infusion is used in the treatment of stomach

problems, sluggish digestion etc[9].

 

The fruit is antiemetic, antitussive, carminative, diaphoretic,

digestive and expectorant[218].The immature fruit can be used (called

Zhi Shi in China) or the mature fruit with seeds and endocarp removed

(called Zhi Ke). The immature fruit has a stronger action. They are used

in the treatment of dyspepsia, constipation, abdominal distension,

stuffy sensation in the chest, prolapse of the uterus, rectum and

stomach[176].

 

The fruit peel is bitter, digestive and stomachic[7].

 

The seed and the pericarp are used in the treatment of anorexia, chest

pains, colds, coughs etc[218].

 

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is

'Radiance'[210]. It is used in treating depression, tension and skin

problems[238].

 

 

Other Uses

 

 

Essential; Hedge; Oil; Repellent; Rootstock.

 

This species is much used as a rootstock for the sweet orange, C.

sinensis, because of its disease resistance and greater hardiness[3, 46,

61].

 

Grown as a hedging plant in N. America[260].

 

A semi-drying oil obtained from the seed is used in soap making[46, 61].

 

 

Essential oils obtained from the peel, petals and leaves are used as a

food flavouring and also in perfumery and medicines[1, 4, 46, 61, 171].

The oil from the flowers is called 'Neroli oil' - yields are very low

from this species and so it is often adulterated with inferior oils[7].

The oil from the leaves and young shoots is called 'petit-grain' - 400

kilos of plant material yield about 1 kilo of oil[7]. This is also often

adulterated with inferior products[7].

 

Neroli oil, mixed with vaseline, is used in India as a preventative

against leeches[268].

 

 

Cultivation details

 

 

Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and

sand added and a very sunny position[1, 200]. Prefers a pH between 5 and

6[200]. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.8 to 8.3. Plants are intolerant of

water logging[200]. When growing plants in pots, a compost comprising

equal quantities of loam and leafmould plus a little charcoal should

produce good results[260]. Do not use manure since Citrus species

dislike it[260]. When watering pot plants it is important to neither

overwater or underwater since the plant will soon complain by turning

yellow and dying. Water only when the compost is almost dry, but do not

allow it to become completely dry[260].

 

Dormant plants can withstand temperatures down to about -6°c so long as

this is preceded by cool weather in order to harden off the plant[200].

The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and

so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early

morning sun[K]. A tree grown outdoors on the coast at Salcombe in Devon

lived for over 200 years[166].

 

The bitter orange is often grown for its edible fruit in warm temperate

and tropical zones, there are many named varieties[183]. In Britain it

can be grown in a pot that is placed outdoors in the summer and brought

into a greenhouse during the winter[3, 200].

 

Plants dislike root disturbance and so should be placed into their

permanent positions when young. If growing them in pots, great care must

be exercised when potting them on into larger containers[238].

 

 

Propagation

 

 

The seed is best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it ripe after

thoroughly rinsing it[164, 200]. Sow stored seed in March in a

greenhouse[3]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at

13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care

and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembrionic, two or more

seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the

parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in

the parent plant[200]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings

out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least

three growing seasons before trying them outdoors. Plant them out in the

summer and give them some protection from the cold for their first few

winters outdoors.

 

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

 

Layering in October.

 

 

Scent

 

 

Leaves:

 

No details on scent.

 

Flowers: Fresh

 

The flowers are sweetly scented.

 

 

Cultivars

 

 

'Nanshô-daidai'

 

The medium large fruit is very seedy[183]. The rind is medium-thick but

easily peeled and lemon-yellow in colour[183]. The flesh is dull yellow,

juicy with an acid flavour but a bitter aftertaste[183]. A vigorous,

very thorny, upright-spreading tree, it is relatively cold-hardy[183].

 

 

Web References

 

 

* Latin

<http://gmr.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/Plantnames/Sorting/Citrus.html> and

Worldwide Common Names From Multilingual

<http://gmr.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/Plantnames/Sorting/Frontpage.html>

Multiscript Plant Name Database by M. H. Porcher et. al. 1995 - 2000

Landcare Systems Research Laboratory, Department of Crop

Production,Institute of Land and Food Resources, The University of

Melbourne, Australia.

 

* Details of Medicinal Uses, Habitats, etc. in M. Grieve A Modern

Herbal <http://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html> (1931) [4]

 

* [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in

Henriette's <http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/database.html> names

database

 

* [E] Ethnobotany Data (common names, uses, countries) from the

Ethnobotany Database <ftp://genome.cornell.edu/pub/EthnobotDB/> (sadly

ftp only. The searchable web pages have been pulled).

 

* Data

<http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cgi/ruled_html_query?colldir=kartesz%2Fm

gdata & collname=bonap98 & query=Citrus+aurantium> (Latin & Common names,

other references) from the BONAP's Synonymized Checklist of

<http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/b98/check98.htm> the Vascular Flora of

the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

* [G] Data

<http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?10684> (Common

Names, Uses, Distribution) from the USDA/ARS NPGS's GRIN

<http://www.ars-grin.gov/npgs/tax/> taxonomic database.

* [P] Data

<http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=CIAU2> . (uses,

distribution, wetland) from the UDSA's plants database

<http://plants.usda.gov/> .

* [HP] Links, Photos,

<http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/p1/gw1010105.html> Suppliers from

Hortiplex <http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/> Plant Database

References for Citrus aurantium ssp. aurantium (a possible synonym).

* [P] Data

<http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=CIAUA> . (uses,

distribution, wetland) from the UDSA's plants database

<http://plants.usda.gov/> .

References for Citrus bigaradia (a possible synonym).

* [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in

Henriette's <http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/database.html> names

database

* [E] Ethnobotany Data (common names, uses, countries) from the

Ethnobotany Database <ftp://genome.cornell.edu/pub/EthnobotDB/> (sadly

ftp only. The searchable web pages have been pulled).

References for Citrus vulgaris (a possible synonym).

* [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in

Henriette's <http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/database.html> names

database

References for Citrus vulgaris var. bigaradia (a possible synonym).

* [H] Details of Scandanavian and European Common names in

Henriette's <http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/database.html> names

database

References for citrus aurantium (a possible synonym).

* [HP] Photo

<http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/pictures/b-d/citrus-aurantium.jpg> From

Henriette's plant

<http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/pictures/herbpics.html> pictures

* [HP] Photo

<http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/pictures/b-d/citrus-aurantium-1.jpg>

From Henriette's plant

<http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/pictures/herbpics.html> pictures

See the PFAF Links <http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/Links_4.html> Pages

for other sources or the The Gatherer

<http://www.kippewa-gardens.com/cgi-bin/Gatherer.pl> where you can

search many other sources all in one go.

References

[K] Ken Fern

Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field

trips.

[1] F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford

University Press 1951

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat

outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[3] Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972 ISBN

0-7153-5531-7

A very readable book with information on about 100 species that can be

grown in Britain (some in greenhouses) and details on how to grow and

use them.

[4] Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate

plants.

[7] Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984 ISBN

0-356-10541-5

Covers plants growing in Europe. Also gives other interesting

information on the plants. Good photographs.

[9] Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981 ISBN

0-600-37216-2

Covers plants in Europe. a drawing of each plant, quite a bit of

interesting information.

[46] Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959

An excellent and very comprehensive guide but it only gives very short

descriptions of the uses without any details of how to utilize the

plants. Not for the casual reader.

[61] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN

0094579202

Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject.

Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with

very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.

[164] Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and

Morgan. 1990

Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good

article on Yuccas, one on Sagebrush (Artemesia spp) and another on

Chaerophyllum bulbosum.

[166] Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990

A good book on plants that you didn't know could be grown outdoors in

Britain.

[171] Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press 1952

Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some a

bit of detail about the plants it does cover.

[176] Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute

of , Los Angeles 1985

A very good Chinese herbal.

[183] Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong

Publications 1990 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional

food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly

N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other

nurseries from around the world.

[200] Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan

Press 1992 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly

mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

[210] Westwood. C. Aromatherapy - A guide for home use. Amberwood

Publishing Ltd 1993 ISBN 0-9517723-0-9

An excellent little pocket guide. Very concise.

[218] Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference

Publications, Inc. 1985 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of

their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of

constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.

[238] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling

Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the

globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student.

Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries

for each plant.

[245] Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994

ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other

plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.

[260] Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 &

2 Pan Books, London. 1998 ISBN 0-330-37376-5

Excellent photos of over 1,100 species and cultivars with habits and

cultivation details plus a few plant uses. Many species are too tender

for outdoors in Britain though there are many that can be grown outside.

[268] Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis

Publishing. London. 1979 ISBN 0-85613-067-2

Excellent herbal with good concise information on over 400 herbs.

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