Orange

The orange, also known as orange or Citrus sinensis, belongs to the citrus genus (Citrus) within the rue family (Rutaceae). The plant originally comes from China or South-East Asia, where it originated from a cross between the mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and the grapefruit (Citrus maxima). The orange is now cultivated worldwide and is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world.

The orange peel is used phytotherapeutically: Citri sinensis pericarpium

Orange trees are small to medium-sized, evergreen trees with a height of up to 10 m and a round crown. The alternately arranged leaves have a width of 1 to 3 cm and a length of 0.6 to 1.5 cm. The thick and dark green leaf blade is oval in shape and pointed at the front. The flowers of the orange stand individually in the leaf axils and are white in colour. In Europe the orange flowers from February to June, in China from April to May.

Orange trees develop their fruits even without cross-pollination. The ripe fruit peel contains numerous oil glands that give off an aromatic scent. The peel and segments are fused together, the fruit is harder to peel or divide than other citrus fruits.

Citrus sinensis is the parent plant of Citri sinensis pericarpium.

Allergic reaction, see citrus fruit allergy