Citrus × microcarpa Bunge
Vernacular name: Calamansi, Philippine lime (Hindi: कलामांसी)
Species Name: Citrus × microcarpa Bunge
Family: Rutaceae
Habit: Evergreen shrub/small tree
Stem: Nearly thornless, slender branches, 2-6 m tall.
Leaf: Unifoliolate, ovate 4-8×3-5 cm, petiolate winged petiole, strongly aromatic.
Flowering: Year-round
Flowers: Bracteate axillary solitary/paired; 4-5 white/purplish petals (1-2 cm fragrant), 12-20 stamens (anthers yellow), superior ovary (6-10 carpels).
Fruit: Round 2.5-3.5 cm diameter, thin edible peel green→orange, very acidic pulp, 6-12 seeds.
Uses:
- Juice provides digestive aid, blood sugar regulator, and skin whitener traditionally.
- Fruit is rich in vitamin C and D and boost immunity.
- Essential oil extracted from peel has strong antibacterial property that helps against E. coli and S. aureus.
- Traditional remedies used fruit pericarp for its anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties.
- Whole fruit serves as seasoning, beverage base, and vitamin C source in Southeast Asian cuisine.
- Peels can act as a natural coagulant aid and help to remove tubidity from water.
- Essential oils extracted from peels are used in skin care products and aromatherapy.
- Filipino “panacea fruit”; Chinese good-luck plant; post-harvest beverage staple.
- Its an excellent decorative ornamental plant.
- Citrus reticulata × Fortunella hybrid
