Calamondin
Citrus × microcarpa
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
Calamondin is a small, bushy tree or shrub that can grow up to 3-6 meters in height. It is characterized by its glossy, evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers. The plant produces small, round, and orange-like fruits that are highly acidic and aromatic. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Calamondin serves as an excellent understory plant in food forests, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects, thus enhancing biodiversity. It is often used as a living hedge, providing windbreaks and habitat for wildlife. Historically, it has been used in Southeast Asian cuisines and traditional medicine. Its compact size makes it suitable for intercropping with taller trees like moringa and banana, and it can be part of a guild with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea to enhance soil fertility.
Growing Details
Calamondin thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter pests. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and avoid waterlogging. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Harvest fruits when they are fully colored and slight
Tags
Hedge
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Citrus × microcarpa</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> — Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Ph
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of May for 180 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: Calamondin fruits are used in a variety of culinary applications, including as a flavoring agent in drinks, marinades, and sauces. The juice is often used as a substitute for lime or lemon in recipes, and the fruit can be preserved as marmalade or candied. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and can be harvested year-round in tropical climates.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Calamondin has been used in folk medicine to treat coughs, colds, and sore throats due to its high vitamin C content. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The fruit can be consumed fresh or as a juice, but caution should be taken as excessive consumption may lead to stomach irritation due to its acidity.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of Calamondin juice may cause stomach irritation due to its high acidity.
other uses: The fragrant flowers and leaves can be used in potpourri, and the plant itself serves as an ornamental addition to gardens and landscapes. It can also be used as a natural cleaning agent due to its acidic nature.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Citrus × microcarpa</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Citrus × microcarpa
common names: Calamondin; Calamansi; Philippine lime
family: Rutaceae
sub family: Aurantiodeae
tribe: Citreae
sub tribe: Citrinae
genus: Citrus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 2.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25°C / 20°C / 30°C
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25°C / 15°C / 35°C
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
█
█
█
█
█
█
█
█
█
█
(10/10)
first harvest: 2 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 6.0 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Calamondin thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like marigolds can help deter pests. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal growth and fruit production. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and avoid waterlogging. Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. Harvest fruits when they are fully colored and slight
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and citrus leaf miners. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for spider mites. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel leaf miners. Regular monitoring and maintaining plant health through proper care are crucial for pest management.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...