Citrus reticulata

Why are the seeds of this species difficult? The seeds are intermediate in storage behaviour. They can tolerate some drying, but will lose viability at low temperatures.

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Seed Storage

This species has Intermediate seeds. Seeds will tolerate drying to 5% moisture content. Once dried, seeds stored at -20ºC will remain viable for one year only. Survival in long-term storage under these conditions is not guaranteed.

The seeds of this species are oily, so sentitivity at low temperatures could be due to lipid crystallization. Handle the seeds carefully when re-warming, to allow the lipids to slowly melt.

Germination Requirements

Germinate on agar or sand at 25°C.

The seeds of this species do not display dormancy (based on other species in the same genus).

Seed Morphology

The fruit (6.25-9 cm) is oblate in shape, with a bright orange or red-orange skin. The pulp is deep orange in colour. The seeds are small and pointed at one end.

See images of this species at the Digital Atlas of Economic Plants.

Taxonomy

Family: RUTACEAE

Accepted name: Citrus reticulata Blanco

Synonyms: various

Common name: mandarin, tangerine

References and Links

Janick, J. and Paull, R.E. (eds) (2008). The Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts. CAB International, UK.

AFPD (African Flowering Plants Database) - Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland, and South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, RSA: Citrus reticulata.
PROTAbase (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa) - Wageningen, Netherlands: Citrus reticulata.
SID (Seed Information Database) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK: Citrus reticulata.
Tropicos - Missouri Botanical Garden, USA: Citrus reticulata.