Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.
Vernacular name: Pomelo, Pummelo (Hindi: चकोतरा)
Species Name: Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.
Family: Rutaceae
Habit: Evergreen tree
Stem: Thorny when young, smooth grey bark, 5-15 m tall.
Leaf: Unifoliolate, elliptic-oblong 10-20×5-8 cm, petiolate broadly winged petiole, strongly aromatic.
Flowering: Spring
Flowers: Bracteate axillary solitary; 5-8 white petals (5-7 cm long fragrant), 15-20 stamens (anthers yellow reniform), superior ovary (8-12 carpels).
Fruit: Large globose/pear-shaped 15-30 cm diameter, thick yellow rind, 10-18 pink/white segments, numerous seed
Uses:
- Fruit pulp serves as vitamin C-rich (antioxidant) fresh fruit, salad and topping.
- Fruit juice can be used in manufacturing of beverages and cocktails while rind can be used to make jams and chutneys.
- Peel decoction treats cough, asthma, dyspepsia, bloating and digestive disorders traditionally.
- Steam of boiled leaves and peels when inhaled helped with cough and asthma.
- Extract of fruits help to manage blood lipid and LDL cholesterol.
- Fruit pulp is used in skin care industry in face masks, cream and serum to promote skin health and reduce acne.
- Essential oil extracted from leaves and fruits are used for aromatherapy and air freshener.
- Chinese New Year prosperity fruit; Ayurvedic Madiphala pitta-balancing; Thai spirit-offering citrus.
