Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Shrubby (1m-5m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Compact |
| Maximum Height | 2 m to 5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Asia and Asia-Pacific |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A small compact tree, it can grow up to 5m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are lanceolate in shape with a dentate leaf margin. |
| Flowers | The 5-petalled flowers are white and fragrant and are borne in clusters or as a single flower. |
| Fruit | The fruit is small in size and ranges in shape from globose, obovate, round to oblong. It turns orange when ripe. The fruit is said to be sweet and acidic to taste. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): Kumquats are often eaten raw or added to salads. It may also be candied and eaten or used as garnishing for dishes or made into jam. Cultural / Religious: It is usually seen during Chinese New Year as the common name 'Kumquat' is derived from the Cantonese translation 'Gam Gat' which means gold and luck. The plant is thus, seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Citrus japonica 'Fukushu' is one of the most popular cultivars used for the Chinese New Year Festival. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Fruits, Ornamental Form, Fragrant (Flowers) |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Fragrant / Aromatherapy Garden, Economic Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Grafting |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | The plant has a slow growth rate. |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Kumquats are rarely grown from seed but are usually grown on the rootstock of Citrus trifoliata (Trifoliate Orange). |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Thick |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire, Serrate / Toothed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Solitary, Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Rough |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31688 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6087 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
