Japanese Bitter-orange
Citrus trifoliata L.
Citrus trifoliata, known as Japanese Bitter-orange, is a species in the Rutaceae family. It is native to regions in Asia and has been introduced to various parts of the world, including North America and Europe. The plant is notable for its deciduous, compound leaves and pubescent fruit, distinguishing it from other citrus species. Its classification within the genus Citrus is a subject of debate, with some suggesting it may belong to a separate genus, Poncirus.
Description
Citrus trifoliata is a member of the Rutaceae family and is commonly referred to as Japanese Bitter-orange. This species is unique among citrus plants due to its deciduous, compound leaves and fruit covered in a downy texture. It is found in regions such as Japan, Korea, and various parts of China, as well as in parts of the United States and Europe. The taxonomic placement of this species is debated, with some botanists proposing that it should be classified in its own genus, Poncirus, rather than within Citrus. The species was first described in 1763 by Linnaeus.
Other common names
Japanese Bitter-orange
Distribution
TR · IT · BR · Alabama · Argentina Northeast · Arkansas · Bulgaria · China North-Central · China South-Central · China Southeast · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Japan · Korea · Louisiana · Maryland · Mississippi · Missouri · North Carolina · Oklahoma · Pennsylvania · Romania · South Carolina · Tadzhikistan · Tennessee · Texas · Uzbekistan · Virginia
Synonyms
Pseudaegle trifoliataAegle sepiariaBilacus trifoliataCitrus trifoliaCitrus trifoliata var. monstrosaCitrus tripteraPoncirus trifoliataPoncirus trifoliata var. monstrosaPseudaegle sepiariaCitrus trifoliata subf. monstrosa
