Fortunella (plant)

Fortunella is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rutaceae, native to East Asia. The genus includes several species of small trees or shrubs commonly known as kumquats.

Taxonomy

The genus Fortunella was named after Robert Fortune, a Scottish botanist who introduced the kumquat plant to Europe in the mid-19th century. The genus is closely related to the genus Citrus, and is sometimes included within it.

Description

Fortunella species are small evergreen trees or shrubs, typically reaching a height of 2.5–4.5 meters. The leaves are dark glossy green, and the flowers are white, similar to other citrus flowers, and can be solitary or clustered in the leaf-axils. Depending on the species, the edible fruit can be round or oval, and varies in size from about 2.5 cm to 4 cm in diameter.

Species

There are several species of Fortunella, including:

• Fortunella japonica (Marumi kumquat)
• Fortunella margarita (Nagami kumquat)
• Fortunella hindsii (Hong Kong kumquat)
• Fortunella obovata (Meiwa kumquat)

Cultivation and uses

Fortunella species are cultivated for their fruit and as ornamental trees in gardens. The fruit can be eaten raw, made into jellies and marmalades, or used in desserts. The trees are also used in bonsai.

See also

• Citrus taxonomy
• List of citrus fruits