| BRIEF DESCRIPTION A small evergreen tree up to 4 m. The plant has smooth, oval leaves and the tree bears small round fruit that turns from green to yellow on ripening. It looks like a minature orange. USES Its fruits, flowers, and leaves produce a pleasant smelling oil. It is a light greenish yellow that turns a brownish olive colour on ageing. It has a fresh, sweet, lemony, warm scent with a spicy balsamic undertone. It is used in toilet waters, colognes, and soaps. The fruit is to bitter for fresh consumption but is valued for marmelades, as flavoring, and in liqueurs. The peel has medicinal properties. The plant also provide a hardy rootstock for grafting with grapefruit, sweet orange, and lemon. GROWING PERIOD Perennial. First harvest may be taken after 6-7 years. COMMON NAMES Bergamot. FURTHER INF The plant is adversely affected by strong winds, to much sun, and excessive heat. (See under Citrus ssp.) |
