The Citrus genus is currently (2012) being revised and there are likely to be some major changes in classification. This species is being treated as Citrus aurantium bergamia (Risso & Poit.) Wight & Arn. ex Engler in Ecocrop[], but is suggested as being no more than a synonym of Citrus x limon (L.) Osbeck in 'The Plant List'[].

Common Name: Bergamot Orange

General Information

Bergamot orange is an erect, unarmed, much branched, evergreen tree that can grow up to 12 metres tall, with bole up to 25 cm in diameter[]. In cultivation the trees are pruned up to 4 - 5 metres in height with a crown diameter of about 5 metres[].
The tree is cultivated, especially in the Mediterranean area, for its fruit which is used mainly as a flavouring[, ].

Known Hazards

Bergamot essential oil contains bergapten which may cause skin irritation and photosensitivity and is thus a danger in sunscreen products[]. Bergamot oil NS (non-sensitizing) has been developed to overcome this risk; terpeneless grades produced by vacuum distilling whole oil can also be used[].

Botanical References

Range

Only known in cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Three main climates are suitable for commercial citrus production - tropical climates, subtropical with winter rain such as in the Mediterranean and semitropical with summer rainfall as found in Florida and southern Brazil[]. The optimal temperatures for citrus cultivation range between 25 - 30°c, with the coldest month having an average minimum of at least 15°c[]. Growth generally ceases below 13°c and above 38°c[]. If there are dry periods of more than three months, then irrigation will be necessary[].
Prefers a deep, well-drained but moisture-retentive loamy soil in full sun[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6.5, tolerating 6 - 8[, ].
Although it was long thought that bergamot was adapted to a narrowly defined climate, as found specifically in Calabria, Italy, the plant has proven to grow well in tropical conditions too, such as in Ivory Coast[].
Bergamot is most probably of hybrid origin[]. It has been suggested that it is a hybrid between sour orange (C. Aurantium) and lemon (C. Limon), or a mutation of the latter[]. Others hold it as a hybrid between sour orange and lime (C. Aurantifolia)[].
Bergamot is only known from cultivation and consists of a limited and well defined number of cultivars. Four cultivar groups are recognized:-
Common Bergamot. Only this form is commercially cultivated for the essential oil[].
Melarosa. The fruit is rather flattened.
Torulosa. The fruit is ridged
Piccola. Dwarf cultivars.

Edible Uses

An essential oil, known as bergamot oil, is obtained from the peel and used as a flavouring[, ]. Strongly pungent and agreeably aromatic, it is used to flavour desserts, candy, baked goods, chewing gum and Earl Grey tea[, ].

The highly acid fruit juice is sometimes used as a vinegar or lime juice substitute[, ]. The juice of the fruit was formerly used to prepare calcium citrate and citric acid, while nowadays it is a component of citrus soft drinks[].

Orange flower water is the condensed water remaining after neroli essential oil has been extracted from the flowers[]. It is sometimes used as a flavouring in desserts, especially blancmange, and also in pastries[].

Medicinal

Bergamot is a bitter, aromatic herb that relieves tension, relaxes spasms and improves digestion[]. Neroli essential oil, which is obtained from the flowers, is stimulant and, reputedly, aphrodisiac[]. Bergamot oil, which is obtained from the peel of the fruit, is more sedative and healing[].

Orange flower water is taken internally to treat colic, especially in babies[].

Bergamot oil is used externally in douches and baths to treat vaginal infections[].

Both neroli oil and bergamot oil are used in aromatherapy for stress-related complaints and skin conditions[].

Other Uses

Bergamot is mainly grown for the essential oil present in the peel of its fruit (bergamot oil). Bergamot oil is an important component of toilet water 'eau-de-Cologne', which was first developed around 1675 in Cologne (Germany) by the Italian immigrant Gian Paolo Feminis. His relatives further developed the industry and brought it to several other cities. As a result several formulae of eau-de-Cologne were developed, all characterized by bergamot oil. Later, bergamot oil became a constituent of high quality perfumes and of men's perfumes, such as aftershaves[].
The oil is further used in skin care products (bronzers), soaps, lotions and creams.
A different essential oil is obtained from the leaves and branches (bergamot petitgrain oil), but is only produced to order[].
Neroli oil, obtained from the flowers, is used in perfumery[].

Propagation

The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it is ripe, after thoroughly rinsing it[, ]. Sow stored seed in containers as soon as possible]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembryonic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 10cm or more tall before planting out into their permanent positions.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. This species grows easily from cuttings[].
Layering in October.

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