Clymenia (plant)

Clymenia is a genus of flowering plants in the Rutaceae family. It is monotypic, containing only the species Clymenia polyandra, commonly known as the Polynesian citrus or Clymenia. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji.

Description

Clymenia polyandra is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are evergreen, glossy, and oval in shape, with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and white, with numerous stamens. The fruit is a small, round, yellow-orange citrus with a thick rind and a sweet-tart flavor.

Cultivation and Uses

Clymenia polyandra is cultivated for its fruit in some parts of the Pacific Islands. The fruit is consumed fresh or used in cooking, particularly in traditional Polynesian dishes. It is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures, primarily for the treatment of digestive disorders.

Taxonomy

The genus Clymenia was first described by the German botanist Ferdinand von Mueller in 1865. The genus is closely related to the genus Citrus, and some botanists have proposed that Clymenia should be included within Citrus. However, this proposal has not been widely accepted, and Clymenia remains a separate genus.

Conservation

Clymenia polyandra is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many tropical rainforest species, it could be threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.

See Also

• List of citrus fruits
• Citrus taxonomy
• Rutaceae