There is some debate as to whether the round kumquat, or even the genus Fortunella, merit recognition as a distinct species and genus. The Flora of China has submerged the entire genus into one species as Citrus japonica[]. At present we are keeping the genus Fortunella distinct, but it is likely that the Flora of China treatment will gain widespread acceptance and, if so, this species will be moved to Citrus[].

Common Name: Round Kumquat

General Information

Round kumquat is a slow-growing, prickly, evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense crown, reaching a height of 3 - 4 metres[, ].
The plant is cultivated for its fruit in many areas of China and Japan, as well as in several other warm temperate to tropical areas[]. It is also grown as an ornamental and as a hedge[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a range of climates from warm temperate to subtropical and at moderate to higher elevations in the tropics. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 26 - 35°c, but can tolerate 12 - 40°c[]. In the cool periods of the year the plant enters a condition of dormancy, with a high resistance to winter cold even if alternated with milder periods[]. Dormant plants are very cold tolerant, only being killed by temperatures of -15°c or lower, but young growth can be severely damaged at 0°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,100 - 1,500mm, but tolerates 700 - 4,000mm[].
Prefers a moderately heavy loam with a generous amount of compost and sand added and a very sunny position[]. Prefers a pH of 5 to 6[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 8[]. Plants are intolerant of water logging[].
Kumquats are hardier than the various Citrus species since they cease growth when temperatures drop below 13°c but, for best results, they are best grown in a climate where temperatures do not fall lower than between 4 - 10°c[]. This is because the fruit is sweeter when it ripens in warm conditions[].
There are many named varieties[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - usually cooked and used in jellies, preserves etc[] or used as a flavouring, but it can also be eaten raw. The whole fruit, including the peel, is eaten[, ]. The fruit is acid whilst the peel is sweet[, ]. The peel is golden-yellow, smooth, thinner and somewhat sweeter than the oval kumquat, F. margarita[]. The fruit is rich in pectin and makes excellent marmalades and jellies[]. Vitamin C content is up to 0.24 mg/cc[]. The fruit is about 4cm long[].

Medicinal

The plant is antiphlogistic, antivinous, carminative, deodorant, stimulant[, ].

The leaves and fruit contain an essential oil, whilst the fruit also contains sugars and organic acids[]. The fresh fruit is antitussive and expectorant - in Vietnam it is steamed with sugar candy and used in the treatment of sore throats[]. It is said to be very good for infants[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

The fresh leaves and young twigs yield 0.21% essential oil that might be suitable for perfumery[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a warm airy position in a container. When they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and grow them on until they are large enough to plant out in their permanent positions.

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