Citrus × aurantium – Bitter Orange
- Hakan Sener
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Explore Citrus × aurantium (Bitter Orange) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Citrus × aurantium | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Bitter Orange, Seville Orange, Sour Orange
Family: Rutaceae
Appearance: An evergreen citrus tree with a rounded canopy, glossy dark green leaves, and fragrant white flowers. Produces medium-sized, rough-skinned orange fruits with a bitter, sour pulp. Branches may bear sharp thorns.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Canopy layer
Root System: Fibrous, moderately deep root system
Height: 5–10 m
Width: 4–8 m
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Generally non-toxic; essential oils may cause skin photosensitivity in sensitive individuals
Citrus × aurantium | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Likely originated in Southeast Asia; widely cultivated and naturalized in the Mediterranean region
Companionship: Compatible with Mediterranean shrubs and herbs; often used as a rootstock for other citrus species
Invasive Range: Naturalized in some subtropical regions; not considered invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: Low tolerance – prefers full sun
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: High tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Moderate, evenly moist but well-drained
Soil Type: Fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Possible but seedlings may not be true to type
Cuttings: Used occasionally; grafting and budding are the primary commercial methods
Citrus × aurantium | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: Fruits used mainly for marmalade, preserves, and flavoring; peel and juice widely used in culinary applications
Medicinal: Traditionally used for digestive support; source of compounds used in herbal preparations
Cosmetics: Essential oils from peel and flowers (neroli, petitgrain) used in perfumes and skincare
Animal Feed: Not significant
Fiber: No
Timber: Not used
Firewood: Limited use
Wind Break: Can function as a moderate windbreak
Fence: Can be trained as a thorny living fence with pruning
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – highly attractive to bees due to fragrant flowers
Pest Repellent: No – insect-repellent effects are associated with extracted essential oils, not with the living plant
Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds and mammals
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