The kumquat (sometimes spelled kamquat) is a small, citrus-like fruit-bearing plant known for its sweet and tangy edible fruits. Here’s a detailed description:
🌿 Plant Overview:
Scientific Name: Citrus japonica (syn. Fortunella spp.)
Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Origin: Native to South Asia and the Asia-Pacific region (especially China)
🌱 Plant Characteristics:
Growth Habit:
Evergreen shrub or small tree
Typically grows 2–4 meters (6–13 feet) tall
Dense, bushy foliage with thornless or occasionally thorny branches
Leaves:
Small, glossy, dark green leaves
Simple, oval-shaped with smooth margins
Flowers:
Fragrant white flowers
Five petals, usually bloom in spring or early summer
Attract pollinators like bees
🍊 Fruit Characteristics:
Shape & Size:
Oval or round, about the size of a large olive (2–5 cm in length)
Color:
Bright orange to yellow-orange when ripe
Peel:
Thin, smooth, and edible
Surprisingly sweet
Flesh:
Tart and tangy
Contains small seeds (pips)
Juicy, with a zesty citrus flavor
Eating:
Eaten whole, including the peel
Used in jams, marmalades, salads, or candied
🌞 Growing Conditions:
Climate:
Prefers subtropical to warm temperate climates
Tolerates light frost better than other citrus
Sunlight: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Container Friendly: Yes – great for pots and small gardens
✅ Special Features:
Ornamental appeal (compact size, bright fruits)
Hardy and low-maintenance
Often used in bonsai or decorative landscapes
Fruit ripens in winter, adding color when other plants are dormant