Kumquat (Citrus japonica) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Kumquat is a small evergreen citrus tree native to southeastern China, grown for its small orange fruit. The fruit is eaten whole: the peel is sweet, while the flesh is tart. The Marumi form has round fruit, while the Nagami variety has oval fruit.

Appearance

Appearance: The fruit is small and orange with a smooth, sweet rind. The Marumi form is round, while the Nagami variety is oval.
Growth form: It is a small evergreen tree.
Fruit: The orange fruit has a sweet peel and a tart interior; the peel can be eaten with the flesh.

Look-alikes

Nagami kumquatCitrus japonica margarita

Marumi fruit is round, while Nagami fruit is distinctly oval. Leaves or a photo without fruit may not show this difference clearly.

Why they get mixed upBoth are small kumquats with orange fruit.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: California gardens
orchards
Range: Native to southeastern China, this kumquat has been introduced to California.
Preferred conditions: It grows as a warm climate citrus and handles brief cold spells better than many oranges.

Growing it

Care: Gardeners grow it for its small, edible fruit and ornamental look.

Name and classification

About the name: Kumquat is a broad everyday name. Nagami kumquat (Citrus japonica margarita) is a variety of this species.
Varieties and forms: Meiwa is a round cultivated type with a thicker, sweeter rind.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: In California, kumquats are used in preserves and marmalade.

9 sources